Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and healthy comfort food option, perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining lean turkey with fresh zucchini and melted mozzarella, it’s flavorful and easy to prepare. Enjoy a nutritious meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the turkey mixture and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers once more.
6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a handful of fresh basil or parsley before baking.
• Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter dish.
• If you prefer, swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms to the turkey mixture for more texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can replace canned diced tomatoes with about 1 1/2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes. Be sure to drain excess liquid to prevent the casserole from becoming too watery.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten ingredients. Just be sure to check your canned tomatoes and seasonings for any added gluten.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 129 reviews

A delicious and healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground turkey, fresh sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes, and melty mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. This casserole is a comforting low-carb meal perfect for weeknights.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

Dairy

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasonings and Oils

• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
2. Sauté aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent, which will build the base flavor for the casserole.
3. Cook ground turkey. Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a spoon until fully browned and no longer pink.
4. Add tomatoes and seasonings. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Assemble the casserole layers. Spread half of the sliced zucchini evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer half of the cooked turkey mixture over the zucchini, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake the casserole. Place the casserole dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The casserole is done when it is bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
7. Cool and serve. Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the casserole set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.

Notes

• You can substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
• You can use shredded cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses instead of mozzarella.
• Make sure to slice zucchini evenly for uniform cooking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy casserole recipe, baked turkey zucchini, low-carb casserole, easy weeknight dinner