Description
A hearty and flavorful Cheesy Zucchini and Turkey Casserole combining lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and melted aged cheddar for a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs zucchini, diced
- 2 cups prepared groats or brown rice, quinoa, etc.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 7 oz Kerrygold aged cheddar, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground turkey, cooking until the meat starts to brown, ensuring it is broken up for even cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Cook Zucchini: Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly, melding with the other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the prepared groats or grains, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, fresh basil, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir well to ensure all components are fully combined.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour the mixture evenly into the dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover tightly if freezing for later use (make sure to defrost before cooking). For immediate serving, bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can substitute groats with brown rice, quinoa, or any preferred whole grain.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and frozen for up to 3 months.
- Be sure to defrost thoroughly before baking if using from frozen.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
