Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
A hearty and healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini slices, and melted mozzarella cheese baked to perfection with Italian herbs and tomatoes. This low-carb, protein-rich casserole makes a comforting and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and for even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes, which enhances flavor.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, ensuring no pink remains.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine the flavors well.
- Layer Casserole: Arrange half of the zucchini slices evenly in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the turkey mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the turkey. Repeat the layering with remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake the assembled casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden and melted on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture for a mild kick.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar taste and texture.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the canned tomatoes do not contain any additives with gluten.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven, but add a splash of water if it looks dry.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, low carb dinner, healthy casserole, baked turkey recipe, Italian casserole