Cheesy Ranch Turkey and Veggie Family Casserole

• 1 pound lean ground turkey
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta of choice
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite-size pieces
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
4. Add minced garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
5. Add diced carrot, chopped broccoli florets, and thawed corn to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until vegetables are just tender but still vibrant.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, turkey and veggie mixture, ranch dressing, chicken broth, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir well to evenly coat ingredients.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella evenly on top.
8. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chef tips

• For a dairy-free option, substitute ranch dressing with a dairy-free ranch or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
• You can swap ground turkey for lean ground chicken or beef if preferred.
• Use any veggies your family enjoys - cauliflower, peas, or bell peppers would also work well.
• To speed up prep, cook veggies in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before adding to skillet.