Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, healthy dish that combines tender turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 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). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for even cooking, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Step 5: Place half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish as the first layer. Top with half of the turkey mixture, then half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
• You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms or bell peppers for more vegetable variety.
• Use part-skim mozzarella cheese to reduce fat content without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day before baking. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it fresh when ready.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a healthy, flavorful baked dish featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini slices, diced tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Infused with Italian herbs and garlic, it’s perfect for a comforting yet nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-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

Cheese

• 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 (plus extra for greasing)

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes, to build the base flavor.
3. Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking, about 5-6 minutes.
4. 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 combine flavors.
5. Layer the Casserole: Place half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish as the first layer. Top with half of the turkey mixture followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

• Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken if preferred.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes it easier to cut and serve.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy casserole, baked turkey recipe, Italian herb casserole, low fat dinner, easy weeknight meal