Description
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a healthy and comforting dish perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal. Featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and gooey mozzarella cheese, it’s packed with flavor while remaining low in carbohydrates. A blend of Italian herbs and tomatoes brings a savory touch to this easy-to-make casserole baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasoning & Oils
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Layer half of the sliced zucchinis evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the turkey and tomato mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat these layers with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes. The dish is done when it’s bubbly and the cheese on top turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to the tomato mixture.
- You can substitute shredded mozzarella with mozzarella blend or part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option.
- Ensure zucchinis are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake just before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy comfort food, low carb casserole, baked turkey recipe
