Say hello to your new weeknight hero: Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole. This comforting bake combines savory ground turkey, garden-fresh zucchini, a pop of juicy tomatoes, and a blanket of bubbling cheese—all brought together with creamy Greek yogurt for irresistible richness. It’s nourishing, family-friendly, and so incredibly easy to make, you’ll wonder where it’s been all your life. From the bubbling cheese to the flecks of green in every bite, this casserole transforms simple ingredients into a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole couldn’t be easier: every component has a purpose, contributing color, texture, and deep flavor. From lean turkey and creamy yogurt to golden cheese, these pantry and fridge staples come together in perfect harmony.
- Ground turkey: The lean base for this casserole, ground turkey brings savory depth and lightness that makes each forkful satisfying but never heavy.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the aromatics and turkey, it adds a subtle richness and helps the flavors meld together.
- Onion: Gives a gentle sweetness and soft flavor foundation—don’t skip it for that hearty casserole aroma.
- Garlic: A must for depth in every bite; sautéed until just fragrant so it melds right into the other ingredients.
- Zucchini: The star vegetable—fresh, mild, and tender, it bulks up the casserole with color and moisture.
- Cooked brown rice or quinoa: Adds wholesome body and texture; both are excellent for soaking up those flavorful juices.
- Canned diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a dose of acidity, balancing the rich turkey and cheese.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Stirred in for creaminess and a light tang—Greek yogurt gives it a healthy twist!
- Dried basil: Infuses the casserole with a warm, herby perfume that complements the veggies perfectly.
- Dried oregano: Just a pinch boosts the classic Italian profile and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors forward—season along the way for best results.
- Black pepper: A little goes a long way to sharpen and elevate the overall flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, stretchy, and wonderfully creamy, it creates that irresistible cheesy top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For the final flourish of salty, savory goodness and a golden finish.
How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray. This little trick ensures your Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole lifts out easily with all its cheesy edges intact.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes before dropping in the minced garlic. Once those are fragrant, crumble in the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and nicely cooked through—this foundational step builds deep, savory flavor.
Step 3: Add the Zucchini
Now, pile in the chopped zucchini and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s just turning tender. The zucchini will release a bit of juice, which keeps the casserole moist without getting soggy. It’s all about that perfect, spoonable texture.
Step 4: Mix in the Rest
Slide the skillet off the heat and stir in the cooked brown rice or quinoa, drained diced tomatoes, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), dried basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Everything should be well combined and creamy—each spoonful should hold together but not be overly wet.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Cheese
Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it in an even layer. Now for the best part: sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all the grated Parmesan evenly over the top. This double layer creates that gooey, golden finish with perfectly crispy bits.
Step 6: Bake to Bubbling Perfection
Slide the dish into your oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The casserole should be hot and bubbling around the edges, with a top that’s melt-in-your-mouth cheesy and ever-so-lightly browned. Give it a 5-minute rest out of the oven for easier serving.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Garnishes
Sprinkle the finished casserole with a little extra fresh basil, chopped parsley, or even a handful of sliced green onions for a beautiful pop of color and freshness—these small touches brighten your Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole and make it extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, try serving it with a crisp green salad, some garlic-roasted broccoli, or thick slices of crusty gluten-free bread. Simple sides keep the spotlight on the casserole while adding physical and visual balance to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole in individual ramekins for dinner parties or family gatherings—everyone loves their own little helping! Or, spoon leftovers generously onto baked potatoes or inside bell pepper halves for a completely new experience the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the casserole from absorbing other fridge flavors.
Freezing
If you want to meal prep or save some for later, this casserole freezes very well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so the texture stays just right.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating from frozen, add a cover and bake a bit longer, checking that the center is piping hot before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, just bake as instructed, adding an extra 5 to 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy yogurt and shredded cheese alternatives. The flavor and creaminess will still shine through!
What can I use instead of zucchini?
Yellow squash is a fantastic substitute and can be used for some or all of the zucchini called for in this recipe. You could also toss in diced eggplant or bell peppers for a different but delicious spin.
Does this casserole work without rice or quinoa?
Definitely! If you want a lower-carb option, simply omit the rice or quinoa and increase the zucchini slightly. The casserole will be just as hearty and flavorful, but lighter on the carbs.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for bubbling edges, a golden layer of cheese on top, and an aromatic, hot center. If you like a little extra color, place it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end—just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, nourishing, and genuinely simple to pull together, Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is the answer. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or just want to make the most of fresh zucchini, give this recipe a go. I promise, one bubbly, cheesy bite will have you coming back for more!
Print
Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful and healthy one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains, this gluten-free casserole is a satisfying and delicious option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium zucchinis, chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, then add garlic. Brown the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in zucchini and cook until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove from heat and mix in rice, tomatoes, Greek yogurt, herbs, salt, pepper, and half of the mozzarella.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit the rice or quinoa.
- You can substitute yellow squash for some or all of the zucchini.
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