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Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole – Healthy Comfort Food Recipe

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole – Healthy Comfort Food Recipe

5.2 from 24 reviews

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a healthy and comforting dish featuring lean ground turkey layered with fresh zucchinis, savory diced tomatoes, and melted mozzarella cheese. It’s an easy-to-make baked casserole perfect for a nutritious family meal that combines protein, vegetables, and Italian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pantry

  • 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. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes, to build the flavor base.
  3. Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  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 meld the flavors together.
  5. Assemble Layers: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini evenly. Top with half of the turkey mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheese.
  6. Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese on top turns a golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • For added flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in the turkey mixture for a slight kick.
  • You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
  • Be careful not to slice zucchinis too thinly to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
  • The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake fresh when ready to serve.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy turkey recipe, low fat dinner, baked casserole, Italian herbs casserole