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Turkey zucchini bake with cheese

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole: 40-Minute Ultimate Weeknight Dinner.


  • Author: RyderJameson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a savory, family-friendly weeknight dinner featuring lean ground turkey, tender zucchini, rich marinara, and a cheesy topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. Oven-baked to bubbly perfection, it delivers comforting flavor with lighter, wholesome ingredients. Simple, fast, and kid-approved, this casserole layers zucchini slices with seasoned turkey for a satisfying, protein-packed meal in under 40 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add ground turkey and onion, cooking until browned.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Add marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.
  6. In a greased baking dish, layer zucchini slices evenly.
  7. Spread turkey mixture over the zucchini.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground chicken for turkey if desired.
  • Prepare and refrigerate up to 1 day before baking for faster weeknight meals.
  • Leftovers refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • Reduce salt by using a low-sodium marinara sauce.
  • For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: Approximately 420
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole, weeknight dinner, cheesy casserole, zucchini recipes, healthy casserole, turkey dinner, family dinner