Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful, wholesome dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, it’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Mix in the chopped zucchini, diced tomatoes with their juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. Step 6: In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping turns golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor and texture, add diced bell peppers or corn when cooking the vegetables.
• You can substitute mozzarella cheese for a milder taste or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
• To reduce sodium, use no-salt-added diced tomatoes and adjust the salt to taste.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well as a substitute and will maintain the dish’s lean and healthy profile.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils, chopped mushrooms, or your preferred plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.

Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, comforting meal great for weeknights or meal prep.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lighter.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the chopped zucchini, undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini becomes tender-crisp.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the top of the casserole mixture in the dish.
7. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier topping option.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and lean ground turkey.

Keywords: ground turkey casserole, zucchini casserole, baked turkey recipe, healthy casserole, easy dinner recipe