Easy Low Carb Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Recipe
A delicious and easy low-carb casserole featuring ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and a blend of cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. This healthy and satisfying dish combines lean protein with fresh vegetables and savory marinara sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful, low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs (680g) Ground Turkey (93% lean)
- 3 Large Zucchini (approx. 2 lbs / 900g), sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
- 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups Low-sugar Marinara Sauce
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mozzarella
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onion: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to bring out its sweetness and flavor.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onion. Cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles, until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Oregano: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Cook for another minute until fragrant, making the dish more aromatic.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour in the low-sugar marinara sauce and stir well to combine all the flavors in the skillet. Allow it to simmer briefly for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer Mixture: Spread the cooked turkey and sauce mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Top with Zucchini and Cheese: Place the remaining zucchini slices over the turkey mixture. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and zucchini to soften.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the casserole is perfectly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley for freshness and color, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and oregano.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Use a low-sugar marinara sauce to keep the recipe truly low-carb and healthy.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.