Dinner

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole – Healthy Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole – Healthy Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp dried Italian herbs; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for greasing)

ByNaomi Fletcher October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

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Introduction

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a healthy and comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. It combines lean turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted mozzarella for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

This dish shows a close-up of a baked casserole in a white dish, featuring multiple layers. The bottom layer has sliced yellow and green zucchini with a soft texture. Above this, there is a thick layer of brown, cooked ground meat that looks crispy in spots. Melted cheese covers the top, showing a creamy, golden color with some browned edges. Green herbs are scattered across the surface, adding small pops of color and freshness. The mix of melted cheese, browned meat, and tender zucchini creates a rich, textured look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Layer half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the turkey mixture and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
Step 6: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey mixture.
You can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
Try adding chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for a fresh herbal touch.
If you prefer a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve

The dish is a thick square piece of layered casserole with a top layer of golden-brown melted cheese sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. Below the cheese is a creamy white sauce layer with small green zucchini slices. Inside the middle layer, there is cooked ground meat mixed with cheese, giving a crumbly texture and light brown color. More zucchini slices and cheese layers alternate in the slice, all held together by the melted cheese and creamy sauce. The casserole is served on a white plate with a silver fork resting next to it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.