Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole: Easy, Delicious & Healthy

This Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: quick prep, creamy pasta goodness, and packed with wholesome ingredients! You’ve got smoky turkey sausage, earthy kale, and tender rigatoni tossed in a luscious homemade sauce—all baked to golden perfection. And guess what? It’ll be on the table in just one hour, with only 10 minutes of hands-on effort.

Here’s the best part: Instead of cooking three separate components or spending ages stirring a sauce, this recipe streamlines everything for busy cooks like you. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just exhausted from the day, this casserole is your one-dish dinner hero. Who doesn’t love a meal where the oven does most of the work?

Why This Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole Is a Game-Changer

• Quick assembly: Prep everything in just 10 minutes—you’ll sauté the sausage, whip up a quick sauce, and mix it all together before baking.
  
• One dish, minimal cleanup: You’re working with a pot, skillet, and baking dish. That’s it. No mountain of dishes here!
  
• Hands-off cooking: While the casserole bakes, you can tidy up, relax, or prep for the rest of your week (hello, multitasking!).
  
• Balanced and satisfying: Lean turkey sausage adds protein, kale brings a nutrient boost, and mozzarella ties it all together with that gooey, cheesy perfection.
  

Equipment You’ll Need for This Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

To whip up a creamy and hearty casserole without breaking a sweat, here’s the essential gear:

• A 9×13 casserole dish: This is the standard size and ensures everything bakes evenly. Grease it well with nonstick spray to avoid sticking.
  
• A medium pot: Use this to cook your pasta—don’t overcook or it might break apart when baked!
  
• A large skillet: You’ll need enough surface area to brown the sausage, sauté veggies, and whip up that creamy sauce without overflowing. If you’re in the market for good pans, nonstick is your friend here.
  
• Cheese grater (optional): Pre-shredded mozzarella works for convenience, but grating your own melts creamier.
  

Simple Ingredients for Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

This dish proves you don’t need a mile-long ingredient list to cook something incredible. Here are a few all-stars:

• Turkey Smoked Sausage: This adds a rich, smoky flavor without all the grease. Slice it into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
  
• Kale: Fresh kale holds its shape beautifully when baked, adding color and a nutritious crunch. Frozen can work in a pinch, but it’ll be softer.
  
• Rigatoni Pasta: Its ridges trap the creamy sauce perfectly. Penne or ziti will also work well if that’s what you have.
  
• Mozzarella Cheese: A generous topping of this guarantees a gooey, melty finish—everyone’s favorite part of any casserole.
  

Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings (about 1.5 cups each)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 oz. rigatoni pasta
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 13 oz. turkey smoked sausage, sliced
• 8 oz. white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg
• 1 bunch fresh kale, washed, stemmed, and chopped
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

How to Make Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish using nonstick spray and set it aside.
   
2. Cook the rigatoni in a medium pot of boiling water for about 10 minutes, just until tender. Drain and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
   
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the turkey sausage slices for 5 minutes on each side, then remove and set aside.
   
4. Add mushrooms and onions to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften.
   
5. Reduce heat, melt butter in the pan, sprinkle in flour, then cook for 1 minute while stirring.
   
6. Slowly whisk in milk. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg. Cook for 2 minutes until thickened.
   
7. Add fresh kale and cream cheese, stirring until the kale wilts and the cheese fully melts (about 2 minutes).
   
8. Fold browned sausage back into the skillet. Mix everything well, then pour it over the cooked rigatoni in the large bowl. Toss to combine evenly.
   
9. Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
   
10. Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve warm and enjoy!
    

Jake’s Tips for the Best Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

• To save time, buy pre-washed and chopped kale or even baby spinach—they’re a shortcut superhero.
• Dice all your ingredients while waiting for the oven to preheat—it’s a sneaky multitasking win.
• Want easy cheesy topping? Let the mozzarella chill in the freezer for 5 minutes—it shreds quickly and melts evenly.
• This casserole reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

FAQs: Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble it up to the baking step, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months.

What other greens can I use?

Spinach, Swiss chard, or even a frozen vegetable mix works beautifully.

This Easy Turkey Sausage and Kale Casserole is a perfect solution! Packed with flavorful ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s one of the best turkey sausage recipes for healthy weeknight dinners. Share your results in the comments below.