Description
A flavorful and healthy Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini slices, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses baked in marinara sauce. This easy one-dish meal is perfect for a comforting dinner and packed with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes. This step builds the base flavor.
- Cook turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning for balanced flavor.
- Add marinara: Stir in the marinara sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer half of the thinly sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom.
- Layer ingredients: Spread half of the turkey and sauce mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining zucchini slices, then the rest of the turkey mixture, and top with remaining cheeses.
- First bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This ensures the casserole cooks through and flavors meld.
- Final bake: Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 more minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Garnish and serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a lower-carb version, reduce the amount of marinara or use a low-sugar variety.
- Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes when cooking the ground turkey.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
