This savory ground turkey zucchini casserole is a delicious and wholesome dish that combines lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese for a comforting low-carb meal. It’s perfect for any night when I want something hearty but still healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s packed with flavor yet light on carbs, making it ideal for those who want a nutritious dinner without feeling weighed down. The combination of seasoned ground turkey and tender zucchini layered with melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates a satisfying, cheesy experience that everyone in my family enjoys. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced zucchini in an even layer.
Spread half of the turkey mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Repeat with the remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheeses.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time is about 15 minutes, cooking time is 40 minutes, and the total time to enjoy this meal is roughly 55 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes swap the marinara sauce for a tomato basil sauce to add a different flavor twist. For a spicier kick, I add red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture. If I want it even cheesier, I mix in some shredded cheddar or provolone. To make it vegetarian, I replace the turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Adding some chopped spinach or kale with the zucchini layers also boosts the veggie content.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. It also reheats well in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, though the oven keeps the texture better.
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FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and keeps the dish lean and flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it when ready.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
Yellow squash or eggplant make good substitutes if zucchini isn’t available.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or omit the cheese entirely and add extra seasoning to the turkey mixture for flavor.
Conclusion
This savory ground turkey zucchini casserole is a reliable go-to for a healthy, comforting meal that never fails to satisfy. I appreciate how easy it is to customize and how well it stores for leftovers. Whether for a family dinner or meal prep, it hits the spot with great taste and balanced nutrition every time
📖 Recipe:
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Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory, low-carb casserole combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese for a healthy, comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground turkey
3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in marinara sauce and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sliced zucchini in an even layer.
- Spread half of the turkey mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat with remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
Marinara sauce can be swapped for tomato basil sauce for a different flavor.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Mix in shredded cheddar or provolone for extra cheesiness.
For vegetarian option, replace turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
Add chopped spinach or kale for extra veggies.
Store leftovers in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days.
Reheat covered in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
