Name: Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey; 3 medium zucchinis, sliced; 1 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Hey y'all! If you're looking for a cozy, mouthwatering meal that marries wholesome veggies, savory ground turkey, and melty cheese, this Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole hits all the right notes. It's just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for potlucks or meal prepping ahead. So grab your casserole dish and get ready for a flavorful, nourishing dinner everyone will love. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Packed with lean protein, vibrant zucchini, and gooey cheese for a balanced, satisfying meal.
Great for meal prep—makes delicious leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or spices.
Gluten-free and lower-carb, making it a wholesome choice for most diets.
Bakes up in under an hour with minimal cleanup—just one pan and some simple prep!

Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Ingredients

1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
3 medium zucchinis, cut into ¼-inch rounds (about 4 cups)
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup low-sodium tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

1. Prep the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch thick rounds and set aside.

2. Sauté the Turkey & Veggies

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Crumble in the ground turkey and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Remove from heat.

3. Layer the Casserole

Arrange half of the zucchini rounds in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
Spoon half of the turkey mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle with ¾ cup mozzarella.
Repeat with remaining zucchini, turkey mixture, and another ¾ cup mozzarella. Top with parmesan cheese.

4. Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Notes for the Perfect Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in your casserole—a vital step for the perfect texture (see zucchini cooking tips).
Feel free to swap half the mozzarella with a sharper cheese like cheddar for extra flavor.
Use extra lean ground turkey to keep the casserole light and reduce saturated fat, as recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Variations

Low-Carb Keto: Skip the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, and use crushed tomatoes with no added sugar.
Vegetarian: Substitute ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or use cooked lentils.
Spicy Tex-Mex: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and swap in pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Required Equipment

Large skillet
9x13-inch casserole dish
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Storage Instructions

Let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or rewarm the entire dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
Freeze (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Serving and Pairings for Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Serve with a fresh green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette.
Pair with whole-grain garlic bread or roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
Enjoy alongside a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc!

Pro Tips for Best Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Results

Roast the zucchini slices for 10 minutes before layering to enhance flavor and reduce wateriness (see roasting method).
Use a mix of cheeses for deeper flavor and a beautiful melted cheese crust on top.
Add fresh basil or oregano to the turkey mixture for a pop of freshness in every bite.

Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole FAQ

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake as instructed when ready to eat.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Patting the zucchini dry and pre-roasting or salting them helps draw out excess moisture for a nice, firm casserole.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, the casserole contains no gluten. Just double-check that your cheeses and tomato products are certified gluten-free.

Healthy Comfort Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole