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When it comes to family dinners, few dishes can rival the comforting embrace of a hearty casserole. Enter the Turkey Pasta Chili Bake—a delightful amalgamation of flavors and textures that promises to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a nutritious option that can meet the demands of busy weeknights, serve as a star attraction at potlucks, or function as a reliable meal-prepping solution.

Turkey Pasta Chili Bake for School

Looking for a comforting family meal that’s both hearty and nutritious? Try this Turkey Pasta Chili Bake! This delicious casserole combines lean ground turkey, beans, pasta, and flavorful spices, creating a filling dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s packed with protein and fiber. Serve it up with cheese and your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Discover the joys of this versatile bake today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground turkey

8 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.

        Brown the Turkey: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook until the turkey is well browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there's any excess grease, carefully drain it.

          Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, followed by kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (along with their juices), chicken broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

            Add Cheese: Gently fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it's fully incorporated into the mixture.

              Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the turkey-pasta mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

                Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the mixture.

                  Bake: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden hue.

                    Garnish and Serve: After removing the dish from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

                        - Presentation Tips: To enhance presentation, serve the chili bake in individual bowls, and add a sprinkling of fresh cilantro on each serving. A dollop of sour cream or a slice of avocado can add creaminess and a pop of color.