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High protein ground turkey casserole in baking dish with melted golden cheddar cheese on top and fresh spinach

High Protein Ground Turkey Casserole

This High Protein Ground Turkey Casserole is cheesy, comforting, and packed with protein. Made with lean ground turkey, cream cheese, fresh spinach, and cheddar cheese, this easy casserole is perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach chopped or whole, baby spinach works best
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly shredded, divided, sharp cheddar recommended
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup diced red bell peppers optional
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt optional, for extra creaminess

Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish. Set aside.
  2. In large skillet over medium heat, add ground turkey. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with spoon, until browned and no longer pink. No need to drain if using lean turkey.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts completely.
  4. Turn heat to low and stir in softened cream cheese until it melts and fully combines with turkey and spinach mixture.
  5. Remove from heat and let mixture cool for 5 minutes so egg doesn't scramble. Then stir in beaten egg and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Freshly shred cheese for better melting. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water. Variations: Add red pepper flakes for spice, mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, mozzarella for milder flavor, or almond flour crackers on top for crunch. Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days, freeze up to 3 months. Reheat in microwave 1-2 minutes or oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Can freeze before baking and bake from frozen at 375°F for 50-60 minutes.