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Golden bubbly ground turkey zucchini casserole in baking dish with melted cheese on top

Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

A hearty one-dish meal packed with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and wholesome groats, delivering 90-100 grams of protein for the whole recipe.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey 85-93% lean preferred
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 pounds zucchini diced, about 4 medium
  • 2 cups pre-cooked groats or brown rice, quinoa
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil finely chopped
  • 7 ounces aged cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt for zucchini prep

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Colander
  • Kitchen towels
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, toss diced zucchini with 1 teaspoon salt and let drain in colander for 15-20 minutes, then pat completely dry with kitchen towels.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking up with wooden spoon until fully cooked with no pink remaining and beginning to brown (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to cooked turkey. Cook 2 minutes until onions soften and become translucent, and garlic becomes fragrant.
  4. Add drained, dried zucchini and cook 3-4 minutes until just starting to soften but still holding its shape.
  5. Stir in pre-cooked groats, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, smoked paprika, fresh basil, and half the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined and heated through.
  6. Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer turkey mixture to dish, spreading evenly, then top with remaining cheese.
  7. Bake uncovered 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. For extra browning, switch to broiler for last 2-3 minutes.
  8. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let casserole set properly.

Notes

To cook groats from scratch: Simmer 1 cup groats in 3 cups water for 45-60 minutes until tender. Salt and drain zucchini to prevent watery casserole. Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.