Recipe Tin Project: Italian Noodle Casserole

When I unearthed this card in my stack of vintage recipe cards, I couldn’t wait to try it. Because one, who doesn’t love a pasta-based casserole? And two, it seemed like the simple sort of family recipe that had been used again and again and again. So it just had to be good. With a combination of ground turkey and peppers and onions simmered in tomato sauce, comforting noodles, and plenty of cheese, it really was.

This recipe card came out of an old recipe tin that I recently found and started cooking my way through. I call it the Recipe Tin Project. It’s chock full of old recipe cards, most of which seem to be from the ’60s and ’70s. I love food history, and the idea is to breathe new life into these recipes from the past and maybe learn a technique or two from them along the way. There are everlasting classics in there like Carrot Cake and some not so timeless creations like Jellied Chicken Gumbo.

This one is a plain index card written out in quick cursive. The recipe calls for one and a half cups of cooked noodles and I went with egg noodles which seemed like they’d be a good fit here. They were, but penne or ziti would work well too. It’s a layered casserole, so the noodles go in first…

And then you simmer the tomato sauce, turkey, peppers, and onions, together for just fifteen minutes before that gets poured on top.

The final layer is a generous topping of cheese, a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan.

That bakes until the sauce sinks down into the noodles a bit and the cheese gets golden and bubbly. It’s filling and comforting, just like a good casserole should be.

My mom used to make a simple casserole that she was well known for – it was basically shell noodles, ground beef, tomato sauce, and a mixture of cheeses. We ate it regularly and to this day when I crave comfort food, that’s the very first thing I want. I like to imagine that this casserole was the same type of thing for another family. A simple casserole based on Italian flavors. Nothing too fussy, nothing too involved… just the comforting, dependable type of casserole that you can -and want to- keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Italian Noodle Casserole is an absolute delight for those who cherish comfort food. It’s the perfect blend of savory turkey, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a warm, hearty meal. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Foil
• Cooking spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 9 oz ground turkey
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 cups noodles, cooked
• 2 oz mozzarella, grated
• 1 oz Parmesan, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Set it aside.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey and drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the green pepper, onion, tomato sauce, garlic salt, onion salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Place the cooked noodles in the prepared baking dish and pour the meat sauce over the noodles.
5. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Make sure to drain the excess fat from the turkey to prevent the casserole from becoming greasy.
• For added flavor, consider sautéing the onions and peppers briefly before adding the turkey.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Additional Tips or Variations

• Try using different types of cheese like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with mushrooms or lentils.
• Feel free to add more vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, for added nutrition.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This casserole is high in protein due to the turkey and cheese and provides a balanced meal with the addition of vegetables and noodles. It’s a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before placing it in an airtight container.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad or some garlic bread would make excellent side dishes.

Conclusion

There you have it, a timeless Italian Noodle Casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I did. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any tweaks you make to this comforting dish!