Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini slices, aromatic onions and garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese, all seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole offers a balanced meal that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
- 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
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Canned and Dairy Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 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
- Preheat 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 ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and softened, approximately 2 minutes. This step builds the base flavor of the casserole.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook the turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes.
- 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, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Layer the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, place half of the sliced zucchini as the first layer. Then, add half of the turkey and tomato mixture, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheese to create a layered casserole.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven uncovered and bake for 30-35 minutes. The dish should be bubbly, and the cheese melted and golden brown. After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes with the Italian herbs.
- Ensure the zucchini slices are evenly cut to allow for consistent layering and cooking.
- Drain the canned diced tomatoes well to avoid excess liquid making the casserole soggy.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese for a lighter version.
Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy dinner, baked casserole, Italian herbs, low fat recipe, weeknight dinner
