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To make your zucchini pizza casserole, gather these ingredients: - 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken - 1/2 cup onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 tablespoon tomato paste - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste: - Use ground beef or sausage instead of turkey or chicken. - Try different cheeses like cheddar or provolone for a unique flavor. - Add mushrooms, spinach, or olives for extra veggies. - Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to change the taste. This dish is not only tasty but also packs a nutritional punch: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: 24g from turkey and cheese - Carbohydrates: 10g from zucchini and tomatoes - Fat: 18g, mainly from cheese - Fiber: 2g from zucchini and bell peppers This casserole is a healthy choice for a filling meal. Enjoy its rich flavors while knowing you're nourishing your body! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need four zucchinis, ground turkey or chicken, onion, garlic, and a bell pepper. Also, grab crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Start by slicing the zucchinis thinly. This helps them cook evenly. Next, finely dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. It’s key to get these sizes right for great taste and texture. Set everything aside before you start cooking. Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces. Keep cooking until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Once the meat is cooked, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant. Then, mix in the bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let this simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir it now and then until the sauce thickens. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the sauce simmers, prepare the zucchini slices. Lay them on a clean kitchen towel. Lightly sprinkle salt over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat them dry with the towel after that. Next, grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Start layering. Place half of the zucchini on the bottom. Then pour half of the meat sauce over the zucchini. Follow with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the zucchini, meat sauce, and cheeses. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil. Bake for another 15 minutes. Look for bubbly cheese that is golden brown. When it's done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. If you want, add fresh basil leaves before serving. This adds flavor and a nice touch to the dish. To keep your zucchini from getting soggy, use this simple trick. Slice the zucchini thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for about 10 minutes. The salt draws out extra moisture. Afterward, pat the slices dry with a clean towel. This step is key for a firm and tasty casserole. When browning the meat, use a wide skillet. Heat it over medium heat before adding ground turkey or chicken. This helps the meat cook evenly. Break the meat into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Stir it often to ensure all sides get nice and brown. This adds flavor to your dish. When serving your casserole, add fresh basil on top for a pop of color and taste. This small step makes your dish look great. Pair it with a crisp salad to balance the flavors. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a filling meal. Enjoy the different textures and tastes in every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can elevate the flavor of your casserole significantly. Add them right before serving for the best taste. Layering Technique: Ensure each layer is evenly distributed to allow for even cooking and flavor distribution throughout the casserole. Moisture Management: Salting the zucchini draws out excess moisture, preventing a soggy casserole. Be sure to pat them dry afterward! Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar or feta to give your casserole a unique twist. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Replace the ground turkey or chicken with one can of drained black beans or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant. This adds great flavor and texture. Use the same steps to prepare the sauce. You can keep the rest of the recipe the same. To make this casserole gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free sauces and spices. Most canned crushed tomatoes and tomato paste are gluten-free, but check the labels. You can also swap out any pre-made sauces that might contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy this dish without worry. You can boost the flavor of your casserole in many ways. Add crushed red pepper for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for a deep taste. Fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary also work well. For toppings, consider adding sliced olives or pepperoni before baking. These additions make the dish extra tasty and fun! To keep your zucchini pizza casserole fresh, let it cool down first. Then, place the casserole in an airtight container. You can also cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s hot throughout. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Just remember to check if it’s heated evenly. For long-term storage, you can freeze the zucchini pizza casserole. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This way, it can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Zucchini pizza casserole lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and prevents it from drying out. When you reheat it, the taste will still be great. Yes, you can make zucchini pizza casserole ahead of time. Prepare it up to the baking step and cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready, just bake it. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy days. You can serve zucchini pizza casserole with a crisp salad or garlic bread. A fresh garden salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the casserole. You can also add a side of steamed veggies for extra nutrition. This blog shared all you need for a tasty zucchini pizza casserole. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfect results. You learned about variations, storage methods, and answers to common questions. Using these ideas will help you make a great dish. Remember to customize it to your taste. Enjoy sharing this delicious meal with family and friends!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious and healthy casserole that combines zucchini, ground turkey, and cheese for a pizza-inspired dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
  • 0.5 cup onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, using a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it browns.
  • Once the meat is no longer pink, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and dried oregano. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • While the sauce simmers, prepare the zucchini slices. Lay them out on a clean kitchen towel and sprinkle lightly with salt. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat the slices dry with the towel.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or oil. Start by layering half of the zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish.
  • Next, pour half of the cooked meat sauce over the zucchini layer, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  • Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a delicious golden brown color.
  • Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving for an added touch of flavor and freshness.

Notes

Serve individual portions garnished with fresh basil and a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword casserole, ground turkey, healthy, pizza, zucchini