Description
A healthy, family-friendly casserole made with ground turkey, zucchini, groats, and cheese. This comforting one-dish dinner comes together fast for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean for best texture)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 7 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 cups cooked groats (or brown rice or quinoa)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 lb zucchini, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for baking dish
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet; cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 3-4 more minutes until it starts to soften.
6. Add cooked groats, drained diced tomatoes, oregano, paprika, chopped basil, and half the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly.
7. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
8. Spread the turkey mixture evenly in the dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Be sure to salt and drain zucchini for 15 minutes before cooking to avoid a watery casserole.
You can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze it before baking.
Substitute groats with brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
Use sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or a cheese blend based on your preference.
To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg