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For this tasty dish, you'll need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn) - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil This list gives you a great start. Each ingredient brings flavor and comfort to the dish. You can make your casserole even better with some fun toppings: - Extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy top - Breadcrumbs for a crunchy layer - Chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color These toppings add texture and look nice on the table. Don’t have all the ingredients? No worries! Here are some easy swaps: - Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken or beef. - Elbow macaroni can switch to any pasta type you love, like penne or rotini. - Cream of chicken soup can be swapped for cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. - Ranch dressing can be exchanged for a homemade ranch mix or any creamy dressing. These substitutions keep the recipe flexible and fun, so you can make it your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni and cook it until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8 minutes. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground turkey. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles. Make sure the turkey is browned. Season it with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to your taste. After the turkey is cooked, stir in 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 1/2 cup of milk. Mix it well. Toss in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes. Now, add the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet. Mix everything until combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top it with the remaining cheese and, if you like, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly, golden cheese as a sign it’s ready. Enjoy serving it hot! To make a great creamy casserole, use a good mix of flavors. I like to blend different textures. This adds interest to each bite. Always cook your pasta al dente. This keeps it firm while baking. Remember to season your turkey well. Garlic powder and onion powder bring out great tastes. Don’t skip the cheese; it adds creaminess and flavor. One mistake is overcooking the pasta. It will turn mushy in the oven. Another error is using too much broth or milk. This can make your casserole watery. Be careful with the salt. The ranch dressing and cheese already add saltiness. Lastly, don’t forget to preheat your oven. A hot oven helps everything cook evenly. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They brighten the dish. You can also mix in some crushed red pepper for heat. If you want a smoky taste, add some paprika or smoked cheese. A sprinkle of lemon juice can also freshen up the flavors. Make it your own by adjusting the spices and toppings! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish lighter and healthier while still delivering on flavor. Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture before baking. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, to suit your taste. Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving for an easy meal. {{image_2}} You can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole. Instead of ground turkey, use 1 pound of plant-based meat or cooked lentils. This keeps the texture similar. For the cream of chicken soup, choose a vegetable-based soup. This swap maintains creaminess without meat. The ranch dressing can also be found in a vegetarian version. This way, you keep all the delicious flavors without using meat. If you prefer a different protein, try shredded chicken or cooked sausage. Both options work well with the ranch flavor. You can also use canned tuna or chickpeas for a new twist. Each option brings its own taste and texture. Just make sure to season your choice to match the rich flavors in the recipe. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. Swap out elbow macaroni for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta. This change adds nutritional value and can cater to dietary needs. For veggies, consider using broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach. These options not only add color but also boost nutrition. Instead of cheddar cheese, you might use mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick. These swaps help you customize the dish to your taste. To store your leftover creamy ranch turkey casserole, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. To freeze the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, cover it with aluminum foil. This prevents freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until it is hot throughout. You can also microwave it, but stir it halfway for even heating. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just follow the recipe steps but stop before baking. Cover and chill it in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, bake it straight from the fridge. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's hot all the way through. This casserole pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh green salad - Steamed broccoli - Garlic bread - Roasted vegetables These sides add color and texture to your meal. This casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal. Yes, you can use different cheeses! Mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a blend works well. Each cheese gives a new flavor and texture. Choose what you like best, and enjoy experimenting! We explored how to make a creamy ranch turkey casserole that delights. I shared key ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips. You can even try fun variations and learn storage tips for leftovers. Remember, with simple swaps and choices, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy creating a meal your family will love!

Creamy Ranch Turkey Casserole

A delicious and creamy turkey casserole with ranch dressing, macaroni, and mixed vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles, about 5-7 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir in the cream of chicken soup, ranch dressing, milk, and frozen mixed vegetables into the skillet. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Add the cooked macaroni and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the skillet, mixing until all ingredients are combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired for added crunch.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ranch, turkey