Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a comforting weeknight meal that will keep you coming back for seconds! This Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a vibrant, flavor-packed bake brimming with hearty ground turkey, tender zucchini, sweet cherry tomatoes, a creamy cheesy base, and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s one of those delightful dishes that somehow manages to feel cozy yet fresh—offering an irresistibly wholesome way to enjoy lots of vegetables without sacrificing that “mmm, casserole!” satisfaction. Whether you’re looking for a healthier make-ahead dinner, a great way to use up extra zucchini, or a family-friendly crowd-pleaser, this casserole is a standout you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtful ingredients—each one contributes a special something, from moisture and texture to color and flavor. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand for the ultimate cozy bake:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything brown up beautifully in the skillet.
- Ground turkey: Lean, satisfying, and the perfect mild canvas for all those savory flavors to soak right in.
- Onion (chopped): Brings sweet depth that makes the casserole taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- Garlic (minced): A few cloves wake up the entire dish with their irresistible aroma.
- Zucchinis (sliced into half-moons): Give the casserole bulk, vibrant green color, and a delicate, tender bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (halved): Add juicy bursts of natural sweetness and summer brightness in every bite.
- Italian seasoning: An easy way to layer in herby, aromatic flavor with just one spoonful.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the components together and enhancing every layer of taste.
- Black pepper: Gives the casserole a gentle, savory spice that keeps each forkful exciting.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little bit of heat, a pinch goes a long way.
- Sour cream: Makes the base creamy and tangy, so every bite is silky-smooth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty goodness that holds everything together and adds fantastic gooeyness.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Infuses the casserole with an unmistakable salty-savory bite.
- Eggs (beaten): Help the casserole set up perfectly for easy serving and a satisfying texture.
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Bake up golden-brown and crisp, giving you that perfect contrast of textures.
- Butter (melted): Mixed with the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and crunch on top.
How to Make Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get your oven going at 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready when your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this helps with easy serving later and prevents any delicious bits from sticking. While the oven heats up, set out all your ingredients to make the process a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into crumbles while it cooks. Cook until the turkey is browned and just cooked through, giving you a savory base packed with flavor. Don’t rush this step—the little browned bits are magic!
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Sauté everything together until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes. This trio is the aroma hero, giving your Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole a rich depth right from the start.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Seasonings
Stir in the zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Let the mixture cook for about 5–6 minutes, just until the veggies begin to soften. They shouldn’t be mushy; a bit of firmness means they’ll hold up beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Combine with Creamy Filling
While the veggies cool slightly, grab a large bowl and combine the sour cream, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs. Whisk until smooth—this will bind your casserole, make it creamy, and ensure it slices perfectly. Gently fold in the turkey and vegetable mixture so everything gets coated in that luscious, cheesy base.
Step 6: Assemble and Add Topping
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly so every bite has a bit of everything. If you’d like that irresistible crispy top, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. This step is optional, but it’s truly worth it for a little crunch!
Step 7: Bake and Rest
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown (and maybe bubbling at the edges). Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the casserole set up for beautiful slices and lets all the flavors mingle together just a bit more.
How to Serve Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Garnishes
For an irresistible finishing touch, sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right after baking adds a final cheesy flourish—sometimes I’ll even add a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness. These garnishes make this Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole look as fresh as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to shine as a main, but I love pairing it with light, crisp sides. Think a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans. For something a bit heartier, serve with roasted sweet potatoes or a scoop of quinoa—everything balances so well alongside the cheesy, savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, try baking your Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions—so fun for guests! Another idea is to serve small squares as part of a brunch buffet. Or, tuck leftovers into tortillas for a lunch wrap that’s unexpected and totally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, simply cover the cooled casserole tightly with foil or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—it makes a fabulous next-day lunch or quick dinner solution.
Freezing
Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a dream for make-ahead meal planners! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap portions individually or cover the whole dish with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to two months. Remember to label the container for easy grab-and-go meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm individual servings in the microwave or reheat larger portions in a 350°F oven until heated through. A quick blast under the broiler can refresh that golden, crunchy topping if needed—it’s like freshly baked all over again!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. The Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is just as delicious and holds together beautifully without the bread topping, so it’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
What can I use instead of turkey?
Ground chicken works exceptionally well, and lean ground beef or ground pork are tasty alternatives if you crave a different twist. The seasonings and veggies pair well with any protein, so feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, bell pepper, or mushrooms are fantastic additions and fold right into the mixture without disrupting the cooking time. The Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a great “clean out the fridge” meal—it adapts to your veggie drawer perfectly.
Is this casserole low-carb?
If you opt to leave out the breadcrumbs or use a low-carb substitute like crushed pork rinds, this recipe becomes quite low in carbs. The base of turkey, zucchini, and eggs keeps things wholesome and filling for anyone watching their carb intake.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
Look for the casserole to be golden brown on top, with the center set when you gently jiggle the dish. If you insert a knife in the middle, it should come out mostly clean (a little cheese is fine). Letting it rest for five minutes after baking helps it “set up” for perfect slices.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole brings as much joy (and comfort) to your table as it has to mine! Give it a try and let those cozy flavors, bubbly cheese, and fresh veggies make dinner something everyone looks forward to. Happy cooking!
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Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome and flavorful dish that combines ground turkey, zucchini, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection. A perfect balance of protein and vegetables in one comforting casserole.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Topping:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook ground turkey, onion, and garlic until browned. Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, seasonings, and cook until tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and eggs. Combine with the turkey and vegetable mixture.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumb mixture if desired. Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and golden brown.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, omit or substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.
- Additional vegetables like spinach, bell pepper, or mushrooms can be added for more variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
