I like making these lazy lasagna type casseroles on busy weeknights. Instead of messing with boiling and layering lasagna noodles, I just layer with whatever pasta we have at home…and on this night, we had shells. If you’re a ground turkey person, this is your kind of recipe. Yummy ground turkey, spinach and cheese…I love it all. Yummy and easy.
And psssst: you could use ground beef if you prefer 🙂
This would also make a great potluck or freezer meal. After the casserole is assembled, allow it to come to room temperature before covering it and either placing it in the fridge (for up to 2 days) or the freezer (for up to 3 months if properly stored). When you’re ready to heat it up, uncover and bake. You will need to bake it almost an hour if it’s frozen.
This recipe serves 4 adults. Enjoy!
Shopping List
about 2 cups of pasta, I used shells
1 onion, chopped
1 pound of ground turkey
3 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 box of frozen spinach, thawed and all of the excess water squeezed out
1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning blend
a nice splash (about 1/4 cup or so) of milk
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 1/2 cups Mozzarella cheese, grated
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
Salt and Pepper (S&P)
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Grease (I used Pam) an 8×8 baking dish. Set aside.
Bring a pot of water to boil over medium-high heat and drop your pasta. Cook until al dente (about 6 or 7 minutes).
Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute your onion in a tablespoon or so of EVOO. Add in a pinch of S&P. After a few minutes, add in your ground turkey with another pinch of S&P. Cook until the turkey is browned and crumbly. Stir in your garlic cloves and spinach. Add in your Italian seasoning. Once your spinach and garlic are all combined with your turkey, slowly stir in your milk and cheese. Combine.
Drain the water from your noodles and layer half of the noodles in your prepared baking dish. Next, add a layer of ground turkey mixture followed by a second layer of noodles and then a second layer of ground turkey. Top everything with your grated Mozzarella cheese,
Bake uncovered about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and everything is starting to bubble.
Remove from oven and serve.
A quick little pasta dish/casserole/easy lasagna/family meal.
Enjoy!!
And PS: While I was standing up and taking pictures of this recipe, this was going on underneath me…
…Smith was standing between my legs watching me :). Love those big blue eyes.
Sheaffer {Pinterest Told Me To} says
This looks really good!!!! WHY WHY WHY does my husband not eat pasta?
Elise @ Cheers Yall says
YUM! I LOOOOOVE your chicken florentine lazy lasagna (and the hubs does too!), so I can't wait to try this!!! Thanks, Shay! Cheers! xx
Haley @ Cupcakes and Sunshine says
this looks sooo good. I can't wait to try it! Smith is SUCH a cutie!
Emily B. says
Looks yummy! Can I substitute fresh spinach for frozen? If so, how much would I use? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
You could use fresh spinach, I just really prefer frozen in this instance because it's a way better bargain. You'll need about 8 cups of fresh spinach wilted down…and that's a lot pricier than a box of frozen spinach. No matter how you do it, I hope you love it!
Mara Kreiling says
Do you have a favorite "quick" way of defrosting boxed spinach?
Jaren says
Love this idea! One of the things I think is so funny about being a food blogger is that the kids think its totally normal to take a picture of everything you make!
Mix and Match Mama says
I usually pop my spinach in the microwave for about 8 minutes and then squeeze the water out. Simple!
Brian and Kyndra says
Made this tonight and we all loved it, even my 1 and 5 year old! My 5 year old is now as strong as a ninja:) Thanks for sharing.
Andrea says
I'm assuming this bakes at 350?
brandi says
I'm loving all your recipes..just prepped this for dinner tonight. WOOHOO!!!!
Renee says
This was delicious! Made it after a long day at work and loved having leftovers for the next night! Thank you!! Yum!
Emily R says
I made this for my one-year-old and froze it in muffin tins. She loves it!
Jen Fisher says
Made this last night. Soooo good!
Anonymous says
I'm making this for the second time in 2 weeks. I love putting it together on a Sunday night and baking on Monday for a no fuss yummy dinner to start off my work week. Great lunch leftovers too! Thank you!