What better way to spruce up a meal than with a golden, cheesy pan of ground chicken casserole? With layers upon layers of hearty flavors coming together seamlessly, it's magic in the purest culinary form. On any dining table, whether it's a casual family dinner or a massive potluck, this dish is undoubtedly the showstopper you've been looking for.
Is Ground Chicken Casserole Healthy?
As heavy as it looks, this ground chicken casserole is still relatively healthy. Each serving offers 492 calories, with 7.5 g saturated fat and 591 mg sodium. These amounts were measured to carefully fit our health guidelines while still honoring the dish's beloved qualities.
Furthermore, with ground chicken as the main ingredient, it's a decent source of protein, providing around 37 g per serving. A lean, low-fat meat by nature, chicken is ideal for those who want to build muscle and strengthen bones without filling the body with excess fat. Within this white meat, you'll also find a plethora of other essential nutrients, such as zinc, heme iron, and vitamin B12.
Ingredients for This Recipe
Unsurprisingly, this dish requires the most fundamental staples. Take a look at your fridge and pantry and you'll find almost everything there already:
- Chicken
This recipe calls for ground chicken, which you can easily find at the supermarket and local butcher shops. If they aren't readily available, do what we do — slice chicken thighs (or breasts) into medium-sized cubes and run them through a food processor until perfectly ground.
- Tomato products
This casserole calls for a hearty, intense tomato sauce, which is based on our homemade tomato sauce. Then, we also added some tomato paste for a more vibrant taste and thicker texture.
- Pasta
We went with small shell pasta. It’s a delight in its own way, every bite offering just enough flavors that won't overwhelm the palate.
- Cheese
One of the main allures of this dish, the melted mozzarella and cheddar cheese coats the pasta and meat in an irresistible layer of indulgence.
- Aromatics
Accompanying the ground chicken are onions and garlic, both of which infuse the meat with a delectable peppery undertone.
- Seasonings
Salt, pepper, and paprika, those were all we used to season the chicken since there were already quite a few other elements on the plate.
What Other Types of Pasta Can I Use?
The great thing about this ground chicken casserole is just how customizable it is. Don't be afraid to switch things up to tailor this recipe to your preferences. The easiest place to start with is pasta. There are countless varieties to try, but here are our top three recommendations:
- Lasagna
Casserole bears many resemblances with the classic baked lasagna, so it's no surprise that the sheet pasta would fit right into this dish. Its massive, flat shape is great for absorbing flavors and adding a filling element.
- Rigatoni
You’ll often find this cylindrical shape variety in not only pasta dishes (like this Creamy Tomato Rigatoni Pasta) but also baked ziti dishes. Its medium size makes for satisfying, flavor-soaked bites that won't overwhelm the palate.
- Spaghetti
While not as sizable as the varieties mentioned above, spaghetti is still undoubtedly a great choice for baked dishes. You'll adore the way the sauce clings to the velvety smooth strands, and how well its tender texture complements the chicken's slight chewiness.
What to Serve With
A hefty main course on its own, this ground chicken casserole only needs a light companion to round out the meal. Fresh sides like a broccoli slaw or spring salad will do the trick. You can also lean into the cheesy profile with this beet and feta cheese salad, or enhance the tomato taste with a creamy bowl of tomato basil soup.
How to Store and Reheat
There are two ways to store the leftovers:
- In the fridge: You can store the leftover casserole in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: Put it in airtight containers (don’t fill it up all the way, leave a bit of space in case of expansion) and keep it for up to 2 months. Write the date outside, so you’ll know how long it’s been since you started freezing it. You can defrost it by placing it in the fridge for 24 hours or until completely thawed.
As for reheating, you can do so in the microwave, oven, or air-fryer until thoroughly heated.
How to make Ground Chicken Casserole
Golden and bubbling with rich, savory flavors, this ground chicken casserole is the perfect gateway to instant comfort. Put together in less than an hour with minimum effort, it's a comfort food dream come true.
- by Luna Regina, 2024-04-10
- cook TIME 35 mins
- prep TIME 10 mins
- total TIME 45 mins
- COURSE Main dish
- CUISINE French
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 492 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 18 oz skinless boneless chicken thigh (sliced into cubes)
- 10 oz cooked pasta
- 1 cup homemade tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp Hunt's tomato paste
- 2 oz onion (diced)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp parsley (chopped)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 oz mozzarella (shredded)
- 2 oz cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
INSTRUCTIONS
Grind the chicken: In a food processor, put 18 oz skinless boneless chicken thigh and process until the meat resembles ground chicken.
Sweat the aromatics: On a pan over medium heat, quickly stir 1 tbsp garlic and 2 oz onion with 1 tbsp olive oil for around 30 seconds or so until fragrant.
Add the tomato paste: Continue adding 1 tbsp Hunt's tomato paste and stir for a bit to fully coat the aromatics.
Add the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the pan and break it up with a spatula, then continue stirring around to evenly coat it in the condiments.
Add the spices: Add 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp paprika and stir for around 2 to 3 minutes to mix everything together.
Add the tomato sauce and pasta: Then, add 1 cup homemade tomato sauce and 1/2 cup water and let the pan simmer for 5 - 8 minutes. Add 10 oz cooked pasta and quickly stir for a minute or 2 to blend everything together.
Take off the heat when done.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat the oven to 375 ºF to prepare for step 9. Meanwhile, transfer the cooked meat and pasta into a baking pan, then cover the surface with 2 oz mozzarella and 2 oz cheddar cheese.
Bake the casserole: Put the baking dish in the middle rack of the oven, then bake at 375 ºF for 20 - 25 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted.
Garnish and serve: Once the casserole has finished baking, remove it from the oven using an oven glove. Garnish with 2 tbsp parsley and serve hot.
NUTRITION
Luna Regina
Writer, Author