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- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1/2 cup onion, 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) To make a tasty Zucchini Pizza Casserole, you need fresh ingredients. Start with four medium zucchinis. Slice them thinly to create layers in the dish. Use one pound of ground turkey or chicken for protein. This adds flavor and helps fill you up. Next, add half a cup of diced onion and two cloves of minced garlic. They bring a nice aroma and taste to the dish. You can choose any color bell pepper, diced, to mix in. One can of crushed tomatoes will help bind the casserole together. Include a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth. Seasoning is important. Use one tablespoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of dried oregano. These spices give the casserole a classic pizza flavor. For the cheesy goodness, add one cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. If you like a pop of color, consider fresh basil leaves for garnish. This dish is simple, yet full of flavor. You’ll enjoy every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook it until it's browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. 2. Once the meat is brown, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to look clear. 3. Next, stir in the diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Add the Italian seasoning and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes. This will help it thicken. 1. While the sauce cooks, lay the sliced zucchini on a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle a little salt over the zucchini. 2. Let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes. This helps to draw out extra moisture. 3. After 10 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with another towel. This step is key to avoid a soggy casserole. 1. Grab a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Start layering half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. 2. Pour half of the meat sauce over the zucchini. Then add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. 3. Repeat this step. Layer the remaining zucchini, meat sauce, and cheeses one more time. 1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This helps keep the cheese from burning while it cooks. 2. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. 3. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will make the cheese bubbly and golden brown. 4. Once done, let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Choosing the right zucchini Pick medium zucchinis that feel firm. Look for smooth skin with no blemishes. Fresh zucchinis hold their shape well. They will not turn mushy in the casserole. Avoiding excess moisture Zucchini has a lot of water. To keep your dish from being soggy, sprinkle salt on the slices. Let them sit for ten minutes. This draws out moisture. Afterward, pat them dry with a towel. This simple step makes a big difference in texture. Additional spices or ingredients Feel free to add your favorite spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. You can also try paprika for a smoky flavor. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well too. Suggested cheese substitutions If you want a twist, use different cheeses. Try sharp cheddar for a bold taste. Gouda can add a nice creaminess. Mixing cheeses can make your casserole even tastier. Garnishing options Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a gourmet touch. Serving suggestions Serve your casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad. You can also offer crusty bread on the side. This makes for a complete and satisfying meal. Pro Tips Slicing Zucchini Evenly: For uniform cooking and a better presentation, use a mandoline slicer to get evenly cut zucchini slices. Enhancing Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a subtle heat that complements the dish beautifully. Moisture Control: Don’t skip the salting step for the zucchini; this helps draw out excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, for a unique flavor profile in your casserole. {{image_2}} If you want a meatless dish, you can swap out the ground turkey or chicken for lentils or chickpeas. These options add protein and fiber. You can also use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a hearty texture. Add more veggies to boost flavor and nutrition. Consider mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini flowers as tasty additions. They mix well with the rich tomato sauce. To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether. You can also ensure all sauces and canned goods are labeled gluten-free. Look for brands that offer gluten-free crushed tomatoes and seasonings. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. For a low-carb version, replace the zucchini with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. This keeps the dish light and keto-friendly. You can also skip the cheese layer if you want fewer carbs. Using lower-carb marinara sauce is another great way to reduce carbs while keeping the flavor. Adjust your toppings based on your diet while enjoying this tasty dish. To keep your Zucchini Pizza Casserole fresh, store it properly. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until it's warm throughout. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, but check to avoid drying it out. Enjoy the comforting taste of this dish again! Zucchini Pizza Casserole lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can reheat it easily for a quick meal later. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Prepare it completely, then cover it and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready to serve. This makes meal prep simple and saves time. If you want a different meat, try ground beef or pork. You can also use plant-based meat for a veggie version. This keeps the casserole hearty and delicious. Absolutely! Adding more cheese makes it even tastier. Try different types like cheddar or gouda. Just remember, more cheese can make it richer, so adjust to your liking. This blog post shared a simple way to make Zucchini Pizza Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for great flavor and texture. The post also covered variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. You can enjoy this dish in many ways, making it your own. Try different cheeses or spices to elevate your meal. With its easy preparation and tasty outcome, this casserole will become a favorite in your home.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious and healthy twist on pizza, featuring layers of zucchini, ground turkey, and cheese.
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 chicken
  • 0.5 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (any color)
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 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
  • optional Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once the meat is cooked, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • While the sauce is simmering, take the sliced zucchini and lay it out on a clean kitchen towel. Sprinkle with a little salt and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry.
  • In a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Pour half of the meat sauce over the zucchini, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, meat sauce, and cheeses.
  • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil (to prevent the cheese from burning) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Remove from oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired before serving.

Notes

Let the casserole rest before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, healthy, pizza, turkey, zucchini