Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
A few years ago, I was juggling work deadlines, a toddler, and a growing grocery bill. I remember standing in front of the fridge late one evening, staring at a lonely pack of ground turkey and a couple of zucchinis from our backyard garden. I didn’t want to order takeout again, so I decided to get creative.
That night, I threw together what would eventually become a staple in our weekly rotation—the Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe. It was hearty, healthy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. To my surprise, even my picky toddler cleaned his plate. From that moment on, it became one of our go-to meals—especially on busy weeknights.
If you’re looking for a comforting, protein-rich, and low-carb dish that comes together with minimal effort, you’re going to love this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe.
Do you want more recipes?
Turkey Roulade with Cranberry Stuffing Recipe
Blueberry Maple Breakfast Bake Recipe
Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe (2025)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious casserole:
For the Main Casserole:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2–3 medium zucchinis, sliced or diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-fat ricotta or cottage cheese
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
For the Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
How to Prepare Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Step 2: Cook the Turkey
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Cook until turkey is no longer pink (about 7–8 minutes), then stir in the drained diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Prep the Zucchini
- While the turkey is cooking, slice or dice the zucchini. You can sauté it for 3–4 minutes in a separate pan or use it raw if you prefer a bit of bite.
- For extra moisture control, sprinkle zucchini with a little salt and let it sit for 10 minutes, then blot with paper towels.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Base
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey mixture, zucchini, ricotta or cottage cheese, ½ cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and 2 tbsp of Parmesan.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- For extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Step 8: Rest & Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve
This ground turkey zucchini casserole is filling enough to be served on its own, but you can pair it with:
- A side green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or keto rolls
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
Drizzle with a bit of hot sauce or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
- Drain excess liquid: Zucchini holds a lot of water. Pre-salting or briefly sautéing it can reduce excess moisture.
- Customize your cheese: Swap mozzarella with cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a flavor change.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Double the batch: Make two casseroles—one for now, one to freeze!
- Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure, check that the center reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
Variations to Try
1. Low-Carb/Keto Version
- Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Swap ricotta with full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
2. Tex-Mex Twist
- Add taco seasoning to the turkey.
- Mix in black beans, corn, and use cheddar or Mexican blend cheese.
3. Italian-Style
- Use marinara sauce instead of diced tomatoes.
- Add chopped spinach and fresh basil for extra greens.
4. Vegetarian Option
- Skip the turkey and use a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.
5. Spicy Version
- Add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
2. Can I use ground beef or chicken instead?
Yes! This recipe is very flexible. Ground beef, chicken, or even sausage work well.
3. Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping altogether and stick with cheese.
4. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based cheese and skip the ricotta, or use a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
6. Can I add pasta or rice to make it heartier?
Sure! Cooked quinoa, brown rice, or even whole wheat pasta can be mixed into the casserole before baking for a more filling meal.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is everything I look for in a weeknight dinner—healthy, satisfying, and family-friendly. It’s a dish that celebrates simplicity without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re watching your carbs, looking to clean out the fridge, or just need a no-fuss meal that everyone will eat, this casserole has you covered.
I still smile every time I make it, remembering that night when I just tossed together some leftover ingredients and accidentally created a family favorite.
So go ahead—grab a casserole dish, throw in some turkey and zucchini, and let the oven do the work. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you.