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High protein ground turkey casserole golden and bubbly with melted cheddar in a white baking dish

High Protein Ground Turkey Casserole

Cheesy, creamy, and packed with protein. Lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, cream cheese, and cheddar bake together in 35 minutes for an easy low-carb gluten-free family dinner.
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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 lb lean ground turkey
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 5 oz fresh spinach chopped or whole
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese divided into two half-cup portions
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9x9 inch baking dish. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking into small pieces, until fully browned with no pink remaining.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fully wilted.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until fully melted and the texture is smooth with no white streaks.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and let mixture cool for 5 minutes. Do not skip this step or the egg will scramble when added.
  6. Stir in beaten egg and half cup of shredded cheddar until fully combined. Transfer to prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  7. Sprinkle remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and edges are bubbling.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Always let the turkey mixture cool 5 minutes before adding the egg to prevent scrambling. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth lump-free texture. Freshly shredded cheddar melts better than pre-shredded. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out all excess water first. Let casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean portions.