Easy Whole-Wheat Macaroni Casserole

8 Servings

Recipe from Skinnytaste.com

Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen

While visiting family in Mexico, I tested this recipe.  It was a big hit. This easy baked pasta dish is made with whole-wheat elbows, ground turkey, veggies, marinara sauce and cheese. It's comforting, kid-friendly (our 3 year old granddaughter loved it) and so easy to make because there's no need to pre-cook the pasta! I served this with a simple salad and roasted carrots. My daughter-in-law added some marinated and sautéed cactus to the meal as well.  You'll find all the ingredients for this delicious meal at Lost River Market & Deli, our community-owned grocery store.

1 lb. 93% lean ground turkey

1 Tablespoon olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 medium red pepper, chopped

¼ cup finely diced celery

¼ cup finely diced carrots

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 (14.5 oz. can) petite diced tomatoes, drained

2 cups prepared marinara sauce (or use your own homemade)

2 cups water

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon Kosher salt

8 oz. shredded mozzarella cheese (I used Monterey Jack Cheese.)

8 oz. uncooked whole-wheat elbows (I used whole-wheat penne.)

In a large deep non-stick skillet, brown the ground turkey over high heat until cooked through, seasoning with a pinch of salt and breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Set aside on a dish.

Add olive oil to the skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the onion, red pepper, celery and carrots; sauté until the vegetables soft, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Return the turkey to the skillet along with the remaining ingredients except for the pasta and cheese.

Bring to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 minutes. While simmering, heat oven to 350°F.

Spoon just enough of the turkey/vegetable mixture to cover the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Cover with uncooked pasta. Spoon remaining sauce mixture evenly over the top and sprinkle with cheese.

Cover with parchment paper and then foil and bake 50-55 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand, covered, for 15 minutes.

Servings: 8 • Size: 1/8th • Old Points: 7 • Weight Watcher Points+: 8 pt • Calories: 338 • Fat: 13 g • Carb: 31 g • Fiber: 5 g • Protein: 21 g • Sugar: 2 g • Sodium: 581 mg  • Cholesterol: 63 mg