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This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is a dinner I make when I want something filling and light. This recipe is especially handy when there is zucchini in the fridge that needs to be used. The casserole comes together quickly on the stovetop, then finishes off in the oven with a simple cheesy topping. I like that it feels balanced, familiar, and without extra sides or prep. It is a dependable casserole I choose when the week needs something easy and steady.

👉 Another delicious casserole you need to try is my Broccoli Alfredo Casserole with Ground Beef.

plated ground turkey zucchini casserole

This ground turkey zucchini casserole is a simple baked dinner made with lean turkey, sliced zucchini, tomatoes, and a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Everything is cooked together first, then finished in the oven with a light breadcrumb topping. It is a practical casserole for busy nights and works well for leftovers. This recipe keeps ingredients simple while still feeling complete.

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Why you’ll love this recipe…

This casserole is perfect when I want something warm and filling without a lot of prep or cleanup. The turkey and zucchini cook together easily, and the cheese pulls everything together nicely. It reheats well and does not dry out, which makes it perfect for leftovers.

⏰ Total Time: About 40 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weeknights
🛒 Key Ingredients: Ground turkey, zucchini, tomatoes
🍽️ Servings: 4 to 6
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator friendly

👉 If you enjoy vegetable casseroles, my Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is another yummy option!

Made With Love,

What You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

  • Ground Turkey: Cooks quickly and stays tender once baked
  • Zucchini: Softens into the casserole and adds balance
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly and deliciously

👉 For another easy oven dinner, check out my Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole.

Full Ingredients List

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Nonstick cooking spray

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.

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Swaps & Substitutions

  • Ground turkey can be replaced with ground beef or ground chicken
  • Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers if needed

How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

ground turkey and onion cooking in a skillet

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey, diced onion, and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed.

zucchini and tomatoes added to skillet

Step 3: Stir in the oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.

Step 4: Add the drained diced tomatoes and sliced zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften.

cheese spread over the top of the baking dish

Step 5: Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top.

unbaked zucchini casserole with breadcrumb topping

Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 9: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!

Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole Variations

  • Add sliced mushrooms for extra volume
  • Use seasoned ground Italian turkey for more flavor
  • Stir in cooked rice to stretch the casserole further

 👉 If you are prepping two casseroles at once my Broccoli Alfredo Casserole with Ground Beef is a great option.

My Pro TipS

Tips and Tricks

  • Slice zucchini evenly so it cooks at the same rate
  • Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving
  • The breadcrumb topping adds texture without overpowering the dish

Recipe FAQs – Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it earlier in the day and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Does zucchini need to be peeled?

No, the skin softens beautifully during cooking.

Can this be frozen?

It freezes best after baking and cooling completely.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works well with the same seasonings.

 👉 If you enjoy meatless nights, Black Bean Casserole is a perfect pick.

Serving Suggestions

 👉 For the comfort that a casserole brings paired with Tex-Mex flavors, try my Chicken Black Bean and Rice Casserole.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers up to 4 day
  • Freezer: Freeze baked portions up to 2 months
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated completely through

👉 This recipe reheats as easily as Broccoli Alfredo Casserole with Ground Beef.

More Great Casserole Dinners

📌 Pin this recipe on Pinterest so you have got it saved when you need it!

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Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Easy ground turkey zucchini casserole baked with tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. A simple, reliable dinner for busy weeknights.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 zucchini, sliced
  • ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ½ cup Italian-style panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook the ground turkey, onion, and garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the oregano, basil, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the tomatoes and zucchini and cook for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in half of each cheese.
  • Transfer to the baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  • Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top.
  • Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • This casserole holds together best after resting for a few minutes.
  • Drain the tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture.
  • Ground beef can be used if preferred.
  • Leftovers reheat evenly without drying out.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 1516mg | Potassium: 583mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 873IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 425mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Julia Pacheco

Hello, I’m Julia Pacheco, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a published cookbook author with a passion for creating delicious, budget-friendly meals. My blog focuses on recipes that are accessible and enjoyable, because I truly believe in the power of food to heal, inspire, and bring people together. From early lessons in the kitchen with my mom to navigating life on WIC and food stamps, I’ve learned the value of making every meal count. Cooking has been my creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and it even helped me land my dream job.

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