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For this tasty dish, you will need: - 1 lb ground turkey - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil These ingredients work well together to create a flavorful and filling casserole. Want to switch things up? Here are some fun options: - Cooked spinach or kale for extra greens - Bell peppers for added crunch - Black beans for a protein boost - Different cheese like cheddar for a unique taste Adding these can make the dish your own and keep it exciting. Seasonings bring the casserole to life. You should use: - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste These spices add warmth and depth. Feel free to adjust based on your taste. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need ground turkey, zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, onion, garlic, quinoa, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and seasonings. This will help you stay organized. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion turns soft and clear. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the ground turkey. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it turns brown and is no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Then, stir in the sliced zucchinis and cherry tomatoes. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the zucchinis soften. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa with the turkey and vegetable mix. Stir until everything blends well. Next, transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mix evenly. Now, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. After baking, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy! To cook ground turkey well, use medium heat in a skillet. Heat olive oil first. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is clear. Then, add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon. Cook it until it turns brown. This takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there's no pink meat left. A good cooking tip is to stir often. This helps the turkey cook evenly and stay juicy. When choosing zucchini, look for firm, shiny skin. Avoid zucchinis with soft spots or wrinkles. The smaller ones taste better and have fewer seeds. Try to pick zucchinis that are about 6 to 7 inches long. If they are too big, they may be watery. A great tip is to check the color. Deep green zucchinis are usually fresher. Cheese can change the flavor of your casserole. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch and mild taste. You can mix in cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you like a kick, try pepper jack cheese. For a gourmet touch, add goat cheese or feta. Sprinkle herbs on top for extra flavor. You can even try mixing different cheeses. This makes your dish unique each time! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavors of your casserole. Add them just before serving for a burst of freshness. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance. Just assemble it and refrigerate, then bake it when you're ready to serve. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add any vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition and flavor. Check for Doneness: Ensure the turkey is cooked through and the zucchini is tender before removing it from the oven for the best texture. {{image_2}} To make a tasty vegetarian version, swap ground turkey for lentils or black beans. Both options add protein and fiber. For more flavor, use a mix of mushrooms and bell peppers. They bring a nice texture and taste. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or carrots. This keeps the dish colorful and healthy. If you're watching carbs, try cauliflower rice instead of quinoa. It works well and keeps the casserole light. Zucchini is already low in carbs, so use it freely. You can also skip the cheese or use a low-fat version. This keeps the flavors while helping you stick to your diet. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This brings more heat to your casserole. If you prefer mild flavors, just stick to the herbs like oregano and basil. They give great taste without the spice. You can always serve hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra heat. To store leftover turkey zucchini casserole, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label the container with the date, so you know when to eat it. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until it is hot all the way through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes. If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes after thawing. Check that the center is hot before serving. Yes, you can use other meats. Ground chicken, beef, or pork work well. Each will add a different flavor. If you choose beef, lean ground beef is best. For a lighter option, go with chicken. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly, if needed. To make this casserole healthier, you can swap a few ingredients. Use lean turkey or chicken. You can reduce the cheese or use low-fat cheese. Adding more veggies is a great idea. Try bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. You can also use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of quinoa. This casserole pairs well with many sides. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Try a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Garlic bread or whole-grain rolls are tasty options too. For a light touch, serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. This blog post covered all you need for Turkey Zucchini Casserole. You learned about key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting your dish. You also explored variations to suit your taste, from vegetarian to low-carb options. Proper storage and reheating tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. Remember, cooking is all about finding what works best for you. Enjoy making this healthy casserole and share it with family and friends. Your kitchen creations can lead to great meals!

Turkey Zucchini Casserole

A hearty and healthy casserole made with ground turkey, zucchini, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the sliced zucchinis, cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the zucchinis begin to soften.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of parsley for added color. Consider pairing it with a light salad for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, dinner, healthy, turkey, zucchini