Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole – Healthy Comfort Food

Written by Clara Rose

Why Make This Recipe

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy, comforting meal. This dish combines lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini, making it a nutritious option for dinner. It’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. For more recipes

How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
5. Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the turkey mixture and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Serve the Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole warm from the oven. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving.

How to Store Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

• Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly for uniform cooking.
• You can use other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, to add even more nutrition.
• For a bit of spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.

Variation

If you’re looking to switch things up, you can replace ground turkey with ground chicken or even ground beef. You can also experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but make sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this casserole is gluten-free as long as you ensure that all ingredients, such as the canned tomatoes, do not contain gluten.

Discover a variety of clean eating ideas on  Pinterest and enjoy natural ways to support your diet and healthy lifestyle!