Description
This Cheesy Zucchini and Turkey Casserole is a hearty and nutritious dish that combines lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, and aged cheddar cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this casserole features wholesome ingredients like groats or quinoa and is baked to golden, bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs zucchini, diced
Grains and Canned Goods
- 2 cups prepared groats or brown rice, quinoa, etc.
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
Herbs, Spices and Cheese
- 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Turkey: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and ground turkey, cooking until the meat begins to brown evenly.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Add Zucchini: Incorporate the diced zucchini into the skillet, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until the zucchini starts to soften but still retains some texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the prepared groats or chosen grain, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, fresh basil, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. You may cover the dish tightly and freeze it for later use (defrost before cooking), or bake it uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute groats with brown rice, quinoa, or your preferred whole grain for versatility.
- Freezing the casserole before baking allows you to prep meals in advance; just ensure it is fully defrosted before baking.
- For added flavor, consider using smoked cheddar or adding crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat.
- Ensure the zucchini is diced evenly to cook uniformly in the skillet.
- This recipe yields 6 servings, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
