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- 1 pound ground turkey - 3 medium zucchinis, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese This dish starts with ground turkey. It provides lean protein and a nice texture. Zucchini adds moisture and a mild flavor. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Onions and garlic give a strong aroma. Mozzarella and ricotta cheeses make it creamy and rich. Oregano and basil offer a lovely herb taste. - Red pepper flakes (for heat) - Spinach or kale (for greens) - Bell peppers (for crunch) You can spice things up with red pepper flakes. Adding spinach or kale boosts nutrients. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and flavor. - Calories: 350 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 15g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 3g This casserole is balanced. It gives you protein, healthy fats, and some carbs. Each serving is filling yet good for you. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for the casserole to cook evenly. While the oven heats, you can prepare your other ingredients. In a large skillet, pour in two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it on medium. Add one finely chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and fragrant. This mix adds a great flavor base. Next, add one pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the turkey is browned and fully cooked. This step ensures the meat is safe to eat. Now, add three diced zucchinis and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried basil, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well and cook for another 5 minutes. This will soften the zucchini and blend the flavors. Take the skillet off the heat. Carefully fold in one cup of ricotta cheese until it’s creamy and all ingredients mix well. Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil. Layer half of the turkey and veggie mix in the dish. Spread half of one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Pour the rest of the turkey mixture over the first layer. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Finish with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. When picking zucchini, look for firm ones. They should be bright green with no blemishes. Smaller zucchinis taste better and are less watery. Aim for zucchinis about six to eight inches long. These will have a good flavor and texture for your casserole. Herbs can boost the taste of your casserole. I love using dried oregano and basil. They add warmth and depth. You can also try fresh herbs if you have them. Just chop them finely and mix them in at the end. This will keep the flavors bright. A watery casserole can ruin the dish. To prevent this, salt the zucchini before cooking. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This draws out excess water. After that, pat it dry with a paper towel. This step helps keep your casserole rich and creamy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor profile of your casserole. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out zucchini for other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving for a quick meal. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or feta for a unique twist on the traditional flavor. {{image_4}} You can swap zucchini for cauliflower for a low-carb twist. Cauliflower adds a nice texture. Just chop it into small pieces. Steam it lightly before mixing it with turkey. This keeps it firm and flavorful. Use the same spices and cheeses for a tasty result. Want a meatless meal? Try using lentils instead of ground turkey. Lentils cook fast and are packed with protein. Use 1 cup of cooked lentils. Combine them with the same veggies and spices. This dish will still taste hearty and satisfying. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes. Just a pinch will do. Mix them in with the ground turkey. This adds a fun spicy flavor. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. Spice can change the whole vibe of your casserole! To keep your Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it is tightly sealed to prevent drying out. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. In the microwave, use a safe dish and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. You can freeze this casserole for later meals. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use ground beef in place of turkey. Ground beef adds a rich flavor. Just choose a lean cut to keep it healthier. You may need to adjust cooking time based on the fat content. If you need a ricotta substitute, try cottage cheese. It has a similar texture. You can also blend cream cheese with a little milk for a creamy mix. Silken tofu works well for a dairy-free option. To make this casserole dairy-free, skip the ricotta and mozzarella. Use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Almond milk or coconut milk can replace any dairy milk you might use. This casserole goes well with a crisp salad. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a cozy touch. Steamed veggies are a healthy choice too. In the fridge, the casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm throughout. You learned about making a tasty ground turkey zucchini casserole. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You also discovered fun variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is easy to make and perfect for any meal. Experiment with flavors and enjoy healthy options. Keep this recipe handy for busy nights or family meals. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Hearty Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

A delicious and filling casserole made with ground turkey, zucchini, and cheeses, perfect for a family meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 3 medium zucchinis, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Next, incorporate the ground turkey into the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes or until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
  • Add in the diced zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
  • After cooking, remove the skillet from the heat and carefully fold in the ricotta cheese until all ingredients are well combined and creamy.
  • Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Layer half of the turkey and vegetable mixture in the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Pour the remaining turkey mixture over the first layer and finish by adding the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the entire casserole for a delightful crust.
  • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is beautifully golden and bubbly.
  • Once baked, take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Then slice into portions and serve warm.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Keyword casserole, cheese, turkey, zucchini