Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole has become my absolute go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels both healthy and incredibly comforting. I remember the first time I tried making a zucchini casserole, I was worried it would be bland or watery, but this recipe changed everything! The way the savory ground turkey melds with the tender, slightly sweet zucchini and that creamy, cheesy topping is just divine. This easy ground turkey zucchini casserole is so simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy evenings. You won’t believe how quickly it disappears from the table! Let’s get cooking this delicious zucchini ground turkey casserole recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

This dish is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite.

• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
• Quick to Prepare: An easy ground turkey zucchini casserole that comes together fast.
• Flavorful Combination: The savory turkey and tender zucchini are a match made in heaven.
• Cheesy Goodness: A delicious blend of cheddar and ricotta makes it irresistible.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday dinner.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this hidden veggie delight.
• Great for Meal Prep: This ground turkey and zucchini bake reheats beautifully.
• Low Carb Option: Naturally low in carbs, making it a great choice for many diets.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Gathering these ingredients is the first step to making our delicious ground turkey zucchini casserole with ricotta. I love how simple this list is, making it an accessible weeknight meal.

• 1 pound ground turkey – I prefer a 93/7 lean blend for good flavor without too much grease.
• 2 medium zucchini, grated – This is key for moisture and sneaking in those veggies! Make sure they’re well-drained after grating.
• 1 onion, chopped – About 1 cup, adding a sweet aromatic base.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – For that foundational savory punch.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce – This forms the saucy base of our casserole.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds texture and extra tomatoey goodness.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A classic blend that complements the turkey and zucchini perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just a little kick.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that irresistible golden, bubbly topping.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – This adds a lovely creamy texture and richness to the topping.

How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Let’s get this simple ground turkey zucchini casserole recipe going! It’s so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a comforting and healthy meal.

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown top.
2. Step 2: Grab a large skillet and brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Once it’s cooked through, drain off any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Toss in the chopped onion and cook until it starts to soften, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute more until you can smell its wonderful fragrance.
4. Step 4: Now, stir in the grated zucchini, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (don’t drain them – we want all that juice!), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling slightly, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for letting all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully, making it a truly wonderful ground turkey zucchini bake recipe.
6. Step 6: Pour the savory ground turkey and zucchini mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
7. Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and about half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Dollop this creamy mixture all over the top of your ground turkey zucchini casserole.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the ricotta mixture.
9. Step 9: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and wonderfully bubbly and golden.
10. Step 10: Once it’s out of the oven, let this amazing ground turkey and zucchini bake rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set up perfectly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Want to make your ground turkey zucchini casserole absolutely perfect? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. These simple tips will elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal every time.

• Drain Your Zucchini Well: This is crucial! Grate your zucchini and then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This prevents a watery casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Turkey: Brown the ground turkey until it’s just cooked through. Overcooking can make it dry, and we want a moist casserole.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper, and ensure your Italian seasoning is fresh for the best flavor.
• Toast the Zucchini Mixture: Before adding the cheese, you can simmer the turkey and zucchini mixture uncovered for a few extra minutes to help thicken it up if it seems too wet.

What’s the secret to perfect Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole?

The absolute secret is squeezing the moisture out of your grated zucchini! This simple step prevents a watery dish and ensures a wonderfully thick, satisfying texture for your ground turkey zucchini bake recipe.

Can I make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, up to the point of adding the final cheese topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole?

The biggest mistake is not draining the zucchini, leading to a watery casserole. Also, be careful not to overcook the ground turkey initially, as it will bake further in the oven. Finally, ensure your oven is properly preheated for even baking.

Best Ways to Serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

This comforting ground turkey zucchini casserole is so versatile, making it a fantastic main course for any occasion. It’s hearty enough on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides that complement its savory flavors without overpowering them.

• As a Standalone Meal: Honestly, this zucchini ground turkey casserole recipe is so satisfying, you can absolutely serve it right out of the oven with no fuss! The cheesy, savory goodness is a complete meal.
• With a Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to the richness of the casserole. It adds a lovely freshness.
• Alongside Crusty Bread: Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread for soaking up any extra delicious sauce from your ground turkey and zucchini bake. It’s pure comfort!

Nutrition Facts for Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

This healthy ground turkey zucchini casserole is surprisingly light while still being incredibly satisfying. Each serving is packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables. Enjoy this delicious meal knowing you’re making a great choice for your health!

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

I love that this ground turkey zucchini casserole no noodles is fantastic for meal prep! Once your delicious casserole has cooled down completely, it’s time to think about storage. This makes enjoying leftovers a breeze, whether it’s for lunch the next day or a future quick dinner.

For refrigerating your ground turkey zucchini casserole, make sure it’s in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep this amazing dish longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place them in freezer-safe containers. Your ground turkey zucchini casserole with cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, you have a couple of easy options. For a single serving, microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway, until heated through. If you’re reheating a larger portion from the fridge, cover it with foil and bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. For frozen portions, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as described.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Is this a low carb ground turkey zucchini casserole?

Yes, this ground turkey zucchini casserole is naturally quite low in carbohydrates. By omitting noodles and using zucchini as the primary vegetable, the carb count stays low, making it a fantastic option for those following a low-carb lifestyle. It’s a satisfying way to enjoy a hearty meal without the high carb load. For more information on low-carb eating, check out these carnivore diet recipes.

Can I use different types of cheese in my ground turkey zucchini casserole?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cheddar and ricotta, feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can be wonderful additions. For a truly cheesy ground turkey zucchini casserole, using a blend of your favorite melting cheeses will work beautifully.

Why is my ground turkey zucchini casserole watery?

The most common reason for a watery casserole is not draining the grated zucchini sufficiently. I highly recommend grating the zucchini and then squeezing out as much excess liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth before adding it to the mixture. This simple step makes a huge difference for your ground turkey and zucchini bake.

How do I make this a ground turkey zucchini lasagna casserole?

To create a ground turkey zucchini lasagna casserole, you can layer thinly sliced zucchini instead of grating it. You’d also incorporate a ricotta cheese mixture similar to what you’d use in traditional lasagna, perhaps with some added herbs like basil and oregano. Bake as directed, ensuring the zucchini slices are tender.

Variations of Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole You Can Try

This versatile ground turkey zucchini casserole is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists! Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and tailor this recipe to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a dietary swap or a new flavor profile, there’s a variation here for you.

• Low-Carb Kick: For an even more low carb ground turkey zucchini casserole, simply omit the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Instead, use a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and add a bit more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency. You can also add extra cheese for richness.
• Spicy Southwest Flair: Amp up the flavor by adding a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies instead of plain diced tomatoes. Stir in some chili powder, cumin, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra kick in your ground turkey and zucchini bake.
• Creamy Mushroom Medley: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with your onions and garlic before adding the ground turkey. This adds an earthy depth to the casserole. You could also stir in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half with the tomato sauce for an extra creamy texture, making it a decadent ground turkey zucchini casserole with cheese.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a meatless option, simply swap the ground turkey for crumbled firm tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and mushrooms. This creates a hearty vegetarian casserole that still delivers on comfort and flavor.

For more dinner inspiration, check out these dinner recipes. If you’re looking for something quick and flavorful, you might enjoy this easy ground beef and broccoli recipe. And for a taste of something different, consider these birria tacos.

Amazing Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

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• Author: basmer1517
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A healthy and comforting ground turkey zucchini casserole recipe that’s easy to make and delicious. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a satisfying meal without compromising on wellness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the grated zucchini, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Pour the ground turkey and zucchini mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
7. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Dollop this mixture over the ground turkey zucchini casserole.
8. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the ground turkey zucchini casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
• This ground turkey zucchini casserole is great for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

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