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Ground Turkey Broccoli Cheddar Bake - A Cozy, Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, bite-size pieces)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but delicious)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk (2% or whole for creaminess)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra savory depth)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)
  • Nonstick spray or a little oil for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Prep the broccoli: If using fresh, steam or blanch for 2-3 minutes until bright green and just tender. If frozen, thaw and pat dry. You want it crisp-tender, not mushy.
  3. Cook the turkey: Warm 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt. Cook until no longer pink and lightly browned, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining oil and the diced onion. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Build the sauce base: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 1 minute to form a paste. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  6. Season it right: Add salt, pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika, and thyme. Taste and adjust. You want it well-seasoned now.
  7. Make it creamy and cheesy: Remove from heat. Stir in Greek yogurt (or sour cream), 1 1/2 cups cheddar, and Parmesan if using. Mix until smooth and melty.
  8. Combine: Fold in the cooked turkey and broccoli until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  9. Top it: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the surface. If using a crunchy topping, toss panko with melted butter and scatter evenly on top of the cheese.
  10. Bake: Bake 18-22 minutes, until the edges bubble and the top is golden. For extra color, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  11. Rest and serve: Let the bake rest 5-10 minutes before serving so it sets. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if you like.