Mouthwatering Keto Ground Turkey Casserole

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When I first started experimenting with low-carb meals, I was skeptical about casseroles. Would they feel satisfying without the carbs I was used to? One bite of this Keto Ground Turkey Casserole changed everything. It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and most importantly—comforting. Every time I make it, the golden bubbly top and savory aroma win over even the biggest skeptics at the table.

This casserole has become one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights and lazy Sundays alike. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—rich with flavor from seasoned ground turkey and perfectly balanced with tender veggies and melted cheese. I love how it fits seamlessly into a keto lifestyle without feeling like a compromise.

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Why You’ll Love This Keto Ground Turkey Casserole

It’s low-carb, high-protein, and endlessly comforting. You get a rich and creamy texture without the heaviness that often comes with traditional casseroles. It’s incredibly satisfying, perfect for meal prep, and crowd-pleasing enough to serve at family gatherings. Plus, it uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find.

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What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?

I usually go for 93% lean ground turkey for a good balance of moisture and flavor. If you choose 99% lean, the casserole might turn out a bit dry, so you may want to add a touch more cheese or a spoonful of sour cream to keep it luscious. Ground turkey thigh is also a great option if you prefer a richer taste.

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Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have ground turkey on hand, ground chicken or even ground beef can work beautifully. You can also swap out the veggies—broccoli, cauliflower rice, spinach, or zucchini are all great low-carb choices. For dairy-free folks, using a vegan cheese alternative and coconut cream can keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing the creaminess.

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Ingredients for this Keto Ground Turkey Casserole

Ground Turkey – The star of the dish, lean ground turkey adds protein while keeping things light. It absorbs flavor beautifully and works as a perfect base.

Cream Cheese – This adds a rich, velvety creaminess to the casserole without the need for heavy cream. It melts right into the mixture and ties everything together.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Gives that irresistible cheesy top layer with a golden brown finish. Also adds gooey texture throughout.

Cheddar Cheese – Brings a sharp, bold kick to balance the milder mozzarella. Layers of flavor are key here.

Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb substitute for grains, it soaks up all the flavors and adds bulk without carbs.

Garlic and Onion Powder – Essential for giving depth and richness to the turkey without needing fresh aromatics.

Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile of the dish and pairs well with turkey.

Salt and Pepper – Simple but crucial for bringing everything to life.

Olive Oil – Used for cooking the turkey and giving it a slight crisp before baking.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or baking pan with olive oil or non-stick spray.

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Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the turkey is lightly browned and fragrant.

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Step 3: Stir in the Cream Cheese

Lower the heat slightly and add in the cream cheese. Stir until it melts and combines thoroughly with the turkey mixture, creating a creamy, cohesive filling.

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Step 4: Add Cauliflower Rice

Mix in the cauliflower rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the meat and cream cheese. This bulks up the casserole and absorbs the savory juices.

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Step 5: Layer the Cheese

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.

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Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown slightly. If you want a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

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Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing much easier. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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How Long to Prepare the Keto Ground Turkey Casserole

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything. This includes browning the turkey, mixing in the cheeses and cauliflower rice, and layering the ingredients in your baking dish. It’s quick, especially if your cauliflower rice is already prepped or frozen.

Cooking Time: Baking takes around 25 minutes, with an optional 2-3 minute broil for that golden top. Altogether, you’re looking at just under 45 minutes from start to finish for a delicious, homemade keto meal.

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Tips for Perfect Keto Ground Turkey Casserole

• Drain any excess fat from the turkey if using a fattier grind, so the casserole doesn’t become greasy.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier and create a smooth filling.
• Season each layer lightly as you go to build flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking—this makes slicing much cleaner.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt quality compared to pre-shredded.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using overly lean turkey without compensating with more cheese or cream can lead to a dry texture.
• Adding wet cauliflower rice without draining can cause the casserole to become soggy.
• Skipping the broil means missing out on that irresistible bubbly golden topping.
• Overbaking can dry out the mixture—keep an eye on your oven.
• Forgetting to season adequately will leave the casserole bland. Don’t be afraid of herbs and spices.

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What to Serve With Keto Ground Turkey Casserole?

1. Crisp Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole beautifully.

2. Garlic Roasted Green Beans

These add a nice crunch and a garlicky kick without any carbs.

3. Keto Cloud Bread

Light and fluffy, cloud bread is perfect for scooping or sopping up that cheesy goodness.

4. Cucumber Avocado Salad

Cool and creamy with a refreshing bite that complements the warm, cheesy casserole.

5. Sauteed Mushrooms with Thyme

Earthy and buttery, they bring a hearty, umami-rich contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.

Freezer: You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for 2-3 months. To cook from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Reheating Tip: Add a sprinkle of extra cheese before reheating to refresh the top layer.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Net Carbs: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge until ready to bake.

Is this casserole spicy?

Not inherently, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.

What cheese works best?

A combo of mozzarella and cheddar is classic, but pepper jack, gouda, or Monterey jack also work great.

Is it okay to freeze individual portions?

Yes, freezing single servings makes for easy meal prep. Just wrap each piece tightly and store in a freezer-safe container.

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Conclusion

This Keto Ground Turkey Casserole is everything a comfort food dish should be—rich, creamy, cheesy, and low-carb. It’s easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough to make again and again. Whether you’re following keto or simply want a hearty, low-effort meal that pleases the whole family, this casserole delivers every time.

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