Turkey Mediterranean Casserole is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of turkey, cheese, and Mediterranean ingredients into a comforting meal. This recipe layers pasta, meats, and fresh herbs, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Turkey Mediterranean Casserole is a great way to enjoy a wholesome meal that is easy to prepare. It’s packed with protein from turkey and loaded with flavors from olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup for you! Whether you are feeding a crowd or looking for hearty leftovers, this recipe checks all the boxes.
How to Make Turkey Mediterranean Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 3 cups turkey (chopped)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichokes (drained)
- 1 (7 ounce) jar Lindsay pitted Kalamata olives (roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 (4.25 ounce) can Lindsay black chopped olives
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse and drain it.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, chopped turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, Kalamata olives, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
- In a 9×13 dish, layer half of the pasta mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the chopped black olives.
- Finish by topping with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
How to Serve Turkey Mediterranean Casserole
Serve the Turkey Mediterranean Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. This dish is perfect for sharing, so consider serving it family-style at the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.
How to Store Turkey Mediterranean Casserole
Once cooled, you can store any leftovers of Turkey Mediterranean Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Before serving again, reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Turkey Mediterranean Casserole
- For a creamier casserole, consider adding a layer of ricotta cheese along with the mozzarella.
- Feel free to use leftover turkey or even rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
- Customize the herbs to your liking; thyme or oregano also work well with Mediterranean flavors.
Variation
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily modify this recipe by omitting the turkey and adding more vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
FAQs
- Can I use different types of pasta? Yes! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- How long does it take to prepare? This casserole takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it.
Whether enjoyed as a family meal or a cozy dinner for one, Turkey Mediterranean Casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for tasty comfort food!
Turkey Mediterranean Casserole
Ingredients
Pasta and Proteins
- 1 pound fusilli pasta
- 3 cups turkey (chopped) Cooked turkey is preferable, can use leftover turkey.
Vegetables and Flavoring
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 can artichokes (14 ounce, drained)
- 1 jar Lindsay pitted Kalamata olives (7 ounce, roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
- To taste Salt and pepper
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can Lindsay black chopped olives (4.25 ounce)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese Shredded
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, rinse and drain it.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pasta, chopped turkey, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, Kalamata olives, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper. Add the marinara sauce and stir to combine.
Assembly
- In a 9×13 dish, layer half of the pasta mixture evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the chopped black olives.
- Finish by topping with the rest of the mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
