You know those meals that hit the spot after a busy day? This slow cooker ground turkey pasta bake is one of those. It’s hearty, filling, and the kind of meal you can come home to after a long day.
The ground turkey is seasoned just right, combined with rich pasta, marinara sauce, and a melty cheese topping that makes every bite comforting.
This dish is an excellent way to get that classic pasta bake flavor without spending a lot of time. The slow cooker takes care of all the cooking for you, ensuring the flavors meld together while you get to do other things.
The ground turkey keeps it lean, while the cheese and pasta add that satisfying, indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Like This Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Here’s why this meal works so well:
- Ground Turkey – Lean ground turkey provides a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Simple Ingredients – It uses common pantry ingredients like pasta, marinara, and cheese for an easy, no-fuss meal.
- Tasty and Filling – The cheese and marinara sauce make this a filling meal that satisfies your hunger without being too heavy.
- Slow Cooker Convenience – The slow cooker does all the work, giving you tender turkey and perfectly cooked pasta without you having to stand over the stove.
It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare and provides a satisfying meal at the end of a busy day.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients to create a satisfying and flavorful dish:
- Ground Turkey – A lean alternative to beef that still delivers on flavor.
- Pasta – Use your favorite pasta, such as penne or rotini, for a great base.
- Marinara Sauce – A rich, tangy sauce that brings everything together.
- Cheese – A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan works best for that cheesy, melty topping.
- Onion – Adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the turkey.
- Garlic – Essential for depth and savoriness.
- Spices – Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning round out the flavor of the dish.
With these simple ingredients, you can have a hearty, comforting meal that’s packed with flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Follow these simple steps to make this tasty dish:
- Prepare the Turkey – Brown the ground turkey in a skillet with a little olive oil. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Drain any excess fat.
- Combine the Ingredients – In the slow cooker, add the cooked turkey, marinara sauce, and cooked pasta. Stir in some Italian seasoning for extra flavor. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
- Serve – Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
It’s that easy! Let the slow cooker do all the hard work while you enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting pasta bake.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
This meal is great on its own, but here are some sides that complement it perfectly:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Garlic Bread | A crispy, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up the marinara sauce. |
| Steamed Vegetables | Broccoli or green beans provide a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta. |
| Side Salad | A light green salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing element. |
| Roasted Potatoes | Roasted sweet potatoes or regular potatoes make a hearty side to go with the pasta bake. |
| Olives and Cheese | A small platter of olives and cheese adds an extra touch of flavor to the meal. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the pasta bake cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pasta bake with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Here are a few tips to make sure your pasta bake turns out perfectly:
- Brown the turkey well before adding it to the slow cooker to develop deeper flavor.
- Use al dente pasta – Slightly undercook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker so it doesn’t become mushy.
- Add extra veggies – You can easily sneak in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers into the sauce for a healthier, veggie-packed dish.
- Top with more cheese – If you love cheesy pasta, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen ground turkey?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just cook it in the skillet until fully browned before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and then cook it in the slow cooker when ready.
3. Can I substitute the pasta?
Yes! If you prefer a different type of pasta, such as rotini, penne, or even gluten-free pasta, feel free to swap it in. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Can I use a different protein?
You can swap the ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or sausage if you prefer a different protein.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cheese with dairy-free cheese or simply omit it for a lighter, dairy-free version.
This slow cooker ground turkey pasta bake is simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy dinner or meal prep.
Slow Cooker Ground Turkey Pasta Bake
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the pasta and turkey mixture
- Large Skillet For browning the ground turkey
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the sauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your favorite pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper. Brown the turkey in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Once the turkey is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Transfer the cooked turkey mixture to the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the slow cooking time is up, stir the mixture, add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker, and stir to combine. Top with mozzarella cheese and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese melts.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use **lean turkey breast** instead of regular ground turkey.
- Add some **spinach** or **zucchini** for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to **3 days** and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.
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