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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- 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
