Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, healthy meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole. This dish ticks every box: it’s packed with lean protein, loaded with colorful veggies, and crowned with a golden layer of gooey cheese. Whether you’re trying to eat a bit lighter or just want a comforting casserole with big flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to become a staple at your dinner table. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to customize, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is how the simple, everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element adds a unique flavor, texture, or color, working in harmony to make this casserole seriously crave-worthy.

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the turkey and veggies for flavorful depth.
• Ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein, it keeps the casserole light yet filling.
• Yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a savory base to the dish.
• Garlic: Infuses the casserole with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Zucchini: Provides moisture, color, and a tender bite—plus it sneaks in extra veggies!
• Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a touch of natural sweetness.
• Dried oregano: Delivers classic Italian herb flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey and tomatoes.
• Dried basil: Gives a fresh, aromatic lift to the casserole.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
• Diced tomatoes: Make the casserole juicy, tangy, and full of body.
• Cooked brown rice: Offers a nutty, hearty base while keeping the dish gluten-free.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into that irresistible, gooey topping everyone loves.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and a golden finish.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your casserole lifts out easily and keeps cleanup a breeze.

How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This little step guarantees your casserole won’t stick and makes serving a neat, tidy slice so much easier.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. This creates the savory backbone of your casserole, so don’t rush—let the turkey get a bit of golden color for extra flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté everything together for 2–3 minutes, until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a wonderful flavor base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 4: Add Your Veggies and Seasonings

Stir in the zucchini slices, red bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies start to soften but still have a little bite. The zucchini will release some moisture, helping everything meld together.

Step 5: Mix in Tomatoes and Rice

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and add the cooked brown rice. Stir well to combine, making sure everything is evenly distributed. Let everything cook together for another 2 minutes so the flavors blend and the mixture is heated through.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Assemble

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This makes the filling creamy and helps bind everything together. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese over the top. Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps it set up for perfect slices.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish. If you like a bit of heat, a light dash of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders. Sometimes, an extra dusting of Parmesan is all you need for a little extra flair.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for a complete, balanced meal. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any cheesy goodness left on your plate. For a lighter option, try simple roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party or special occasion, serve the casserole in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own bubbling, cheesy portion. You can also cut the casserole into squares and serve them on a platter, garnished with microgreens or more fresh herbs for a beautiful, shareable presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers, and store for up to four days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, making leftovers a real treat for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

If you want to make this casserole ahead, it freezes very well. Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions in the microwave until hot, or cover the whole casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven. If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw first for the best texture. A quick broil at the end revives that melty, bubbly cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I substitute the brown rice with something else?

Absolutely! You can use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version, or try cooked quinoa or even white rice if you prefer. Each grain adds its own texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your dietary needs or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute and works perfectly in this casserole. The flavors will be just as delicious, and you’ll still get lean protein and a satisfying, hearty result.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

Zucchini naturally releases a lot of moisture as it cooks. To avoid excess water, slice the zucchini thinly and don’t skip draining the diced tomatoes. If you want to be extra careful, you can lightly salt the zucchini slices and blot them with a paper towel before adding to the pan.

Can I prepare Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, this casserole is a fantastic way to sneak extra veggies into a meal that kids will actually love. The cheesy topping and familiar flavors make it a hit with little ones, and you can always adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a new weeknight favorite, this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is the answer. It’s wholesome, cheesy, and bursting with flavor—and best of all, it’s easy to make and customize. Give it a try and watch your family fall in love with every last bite!

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A wholesome and flavorful Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole that combines lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and cheese for a comforting, gluten-free dinner option. This nutritious casserole is perfect for weeknight meals and can be easily adapted for lower-carb diets.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Nonstick cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned turkey and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
4. Cook Vegetables and Seasonings: Stir in the sliced zucchinis, diced red bell pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
5. Add Tomatoes and Rice: Mix in the drained diced tomatoes and cooked brown rice. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
6. Combine with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the mixture.
7. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the turkey and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
9. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set.

Notes

• For a lower-carb version, substitute cauliflower rice for the brown rice.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 23g
• Cholesterol: 65mg