Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole (Print Version)
Ground turkey zucchini casserole packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables. A healthy, easy weeknight dinner ready in under an hour.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Diabetic-Friendly, Low-Calorie
# Ingredients:
→ Savory Turkey Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey (93% lean)
02 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Garden Veggie Layer
05 -
3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
06 -
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
07 -
1 cup frozen corn kernels
08 -
1 medium red bell pepper, diced
→ Creamy Herb Binder
09 -
1 cup low-fat sour cream
10 -
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
11 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
12 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
14 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Golden Cheesy Crust
15 -
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
16 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
17 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole | Healthy & Easy Dinner comes together fast, so having your dish ready before you start cooking saves valuable time.
02 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 1 1/2 lbs lean ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain any excess liquid.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in 1 cup low-fat sour cream, 1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until fully combined and remove from heat.
04 -
Spread the turkey mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Layer 3 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4-inch rounds over the top, then scatter 1 can drained diced tomatoes, 1 cup frozen corn kernels, and 1 medium diced red bell pepper evenly across the surface.
05 -
For the golden topping that makes this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole | Healthy & Easy Dinner truly irresistible, evenly sprinkle 1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese followed by 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the entire vegetable layer, covering it completely.
06 -
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and lightly browned at the edges and the zucchini is fork-tender.
07 -
For the best Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole | Healthy & Easy Dinner results, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set for cleaner slicing. Finish by scattering 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving.
08 -
Cut your Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole | Healthy & Easy Dinner into 6 equal portions and serve warm. Each hearty slice delivers a satisfying balance of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy, cheesy goodness — perfect for a wholesome weeknight family dinner.
# Notes:
01 -
🥄 Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the covered baking time since it will be going in cold from the fridge.
02 -
🧊 Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes to keep the cheese from drying out.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Ideas: Swap the condensed cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup for a lighter flavor. Ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef work beautifully in place of turkey. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of sour cream and your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
04 -
🥗 Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and crusty whole-grain bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lower-carb meal, serve alongside cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli to keep things light and nutritious.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large skillet
02 -
9x13 inch baking dish
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
mixing bowl
06 -
wooden spoon
07 -
oven
08 -
measuring cups and spoons
09 -
colander
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 385 kcal
Total Fat: 18 g
Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 34 g