Description
This Cheesy Zucchini and Turkey Casserole is a wholesome and hearty dish combining lean ground turkey, tender zucchini, and flavorful spices baked with aged cheddar cheese. Perfect for a nutritious family dinner, it features whole grains and fresh herbs for a balanced and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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
Seasonings and Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
Cheese
- 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 and add olive oil. Add ground turkey and cook until it begins to brown, breaking it up as it cooks for even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 2 minutes until onions soften and garlic becomes fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to soften, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Add Grains and Seasoning: Stir in the prepared groats, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, fresh basil, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Alternatively, cover tightly and freeze for later use—make sure to defrost completely before baking.
Notes
- You can substitute groats with cooked brown rice or quinoa for similar texture and nutrition.
- Freezing the casserole before baking is a great option for meal prep. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or freshly ground black pepper when seasoning.
- Using fresh zucchini with minimal moisture and patting it dry helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
- Kerrygold aged cheddar provides rich flavor but feel free to use your preferred sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses.
