Turkey Apple Mac & Cheese Bake

Clock Icon 45 minutes |
Servings: 10 |
Prep: 10 minutes |
Cook: 35 minutes

This is a hearty, wholesome twist on classic comfort food, combining lean ground turkey, crisp apples, and tender pasta in a light, savoury sauce. It offers balanced flavour and nutrition without the heavy creaminess of traditional mac and cheese.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 lb (350 g) ground turkey
  • 6 tbsp (90 mL) canola oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup (50 mL) sweet red onion, minced
  • 2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • pinch of salt and black pepper
  • 2 cups (500 mL) whole wheat macaroni noodles
  • 2 large, sweet red apples, cored and cubed
Sauce:
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) powdered mustard
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (125 mL) skim milk
  • 3/4 cup (175 mL) light ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup (250 mL) shredded aged white cheddar
  • pinch of salt
Crust:
  • 1 cup (250 mL) ground cornmeal

Method

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey with 2 tbsp (30 mL) of oil, onion, cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium to high heat and add turkey mixture. Cook until turkey is completely browned, cover and remove from heat.
  3. Bring 4 cups (1 L) of salted water to boil, add macaroni. Cook as per directions on the package.
  4. Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine mustard, cayenne, milk, ricotta, cheddar cheese and salt.
  5. Preheat oven on Broil at 400°F (200°C).
  6. Strain cooked macaroni and pour into a 9” x 13” (22.5 x 32.5 cm) baking dish. Mix in cooked turkey and apples.
  7. Pour sauce over the entire pasta mixture, followed by a drizzling of 4 tbsp (60 mL) of oil. Sprinkle evenly and generously with cornmeal.
  8. Broil for 15 minutes or until top is crisp and golden brown. To reheat in oven add 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) of skim milk per serving to moisten.

Tips

Recipe adapted from Manitoba Turkey Producers

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