Description
This Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a delicious, healthy, and comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Packed with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and wholesome grains like brown rice or quinoa, it’s enhanced with a blend of cheeses and herbs for rich flavor. Gluten-free and easy to prepare, this casserole bakes to a golden perfection with a satisfying cheesy top and a tender, flavorful interior.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced or shredded and drained
- 1 small yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains and Dairy
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Other
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Sauté aromatics and turkey: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, cooking thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks.
- Season turkey mixture: Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme into the cooked turkey mixture to infuse it with flavor. Remove from heat once fully seasoned.
- Combine casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced or well-drained shredded zucchini, cooked brown rice or quinoa, plain Greek yogurt, lightly beaten eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Mix turkey into base: Add the cooked turkey mixture to the zucchini and rice blend, folding it in gently until fully combined.
- Assemble and top: Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set and cooked through.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up and cool slightly.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture before baking.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed crackers on top before placing the casserole in the oven.
- Use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice or quinoa to make this casserole low-carb.
- Leftovers reheat very well, making this casserole ideal for meal prepping.
