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Easy Cheesy Italian Turkey Zucchini Bake

Italian turkey zucchini bake - featured image
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A quick and satisfying Italian-inspired casserole featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground turkey
  • 3 cups sliced medium zucchini (about 3 small to medium zucchinis)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 14 oz (400g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (150g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the baking dish lightly with olive oil or non-stick spray.
  2. Slice the zucchini into ¼-inch (6mm) rounds. If very watery, sprinkle with salt and set aside in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Drain excess fat.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Spread half of the cooked turkey-tomato mixture evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the sliced zucchini over the sauce, then sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat layering with remaining turkey sauce, zucchini, and cheeses.
  7. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown and zucchini is tender but not mushy.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.

Notes

If cheese browns too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Drain zucchini well to avoid sogginess. Use whole milk mozzarella for creamier texture. Can be made dairy-free with vegan cheese alternatives. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking, adding extra cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey zucchini bake, Italian casserole, cheesy turkey bake, healthy comfort food, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-cheesy-italian-turkey-zucchini-bake-recipe-that-impresses-every-time/