Description
This Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and healthy dish combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini slices, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all baked in a flavorful marinara sauce seasoned with Italian herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables with a cheesy, savory finish.
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
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare 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, to build the flavor base.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the 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.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce into the cooked turkey and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Then remove the skillet from heat.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- First Layer of Zucchini: Arrange half of the thinly sliced zucchini evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- First Layer of Turkey Mixture and Cheese: Spread half of the cooked turkey and marinara mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle evenly with half of both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining zucchini slices on top, then spread the rest of the turkey mixture over them. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to meld the flavors and cook the vegetables thoroughly.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh herbal finish if desired.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese or reduce the amount of cheese.
- You can substitute ground chicken or turkey sausage for the ground turkey if preferred.
- To add more veggies, consider layering in sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the zucchini.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Make sure to slice the zucchini thinly so it cooks evenly in the casserole.
