Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole: 6 Easy Steps

Name: Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey (or ground chicken; beef works too, but richer); 2–3 medium zucchini, sliced (about 4 cups; yellow squash works as well); 1 onion, chopped (any variety); 2 cloves garlic, minced (or jarred garlic); 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko, regular, or gluten-free; optional); 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, and thyme); Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe

We’ve all had those evenings where the fridge feels like it’s mocking us—half a zucchini, some ground turkey, and maybe a questionable onion. That’s exactly how this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole became one of my go-to dinners. It’s hearty, comforting, and just the right mix of “healthy-ish” and cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that practically makes itself once it’s in the oven—leaving you free to wrangle kids, catch up on emails, or finally finish that episode you started three nights ago.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Easy layering magic: No complicated steps—just sauté, layer, and bake.
Wholesome but cozy: Lean turkey + plenty of zucchini = dinner that feels good but still tastes indulgent.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to forget they’re eating veggies when there’s melted cheese involved.
Flexible: Swap the protein, switch the squash, change the cheese—this casserole doesn’t mind.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this easy casserole (plus a few of my usual kitchen confessions):

1 pound ground turkey – Ground chicken works too. Beef? Delicious but a little richer.
2–3 medium zucchini, sliced – About 4 cups. Yellow squash is a great stand-in.
1 onion, chopped – Any variety you’ve got. Shallots if you’re feeling fancy.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Or jarred garlic if you’re running on fumes (no judgment here).
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Canned keeps things simple, but fresh in summer? Chef’s kiss.
1 cup shredded cheese – Cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever your fridge coughs up.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional) – For crunch. Panko or gluten-free both work.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning – Or DIY with basil, oregano, and thyme.
Salt & pepper to taste – A generous pinch usually does it.
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

This casserole is all about layering comfort with simplicity. Think of it like building a cozy little home for your ingredients—foundation, walls, roof, and a melty cheese blanket to keep it all snug. Here’s how to make it happen, stress-free:

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). I always try to do this before I start chopping, because there’s nothing worse than standing around, casserole ready to go, while your oven is taking its sweet time heating up. If you’re like me and sometimes forget—don’t panic. Just consider it your “pause and sip” moment with a cup of tea (or wine).

2. Sauté the aromatics

In your biggest skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it sizzle away for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling like you’ve really got it together—even if the laundry pile suggests otherwise. Add in the garlic and cook for just one more minute. Quick tip: garlic goes from golden to burnt faster than you think, so keep an eye on it.

3. Brown the turkey

Add the ground turkey straight into the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it cook until browned and no longer pink. This part doesn’t take long, and don’t stress if a few little pink bits remain—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. At this stage, you should start to feel like a dinner magician, transforming humble turkey into the heart of your casserole.

4. Season & simmer

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (yes, juice and all), then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, giving the flavors a chance to mingle. This is when I usually sneak a taste—partly to check the seasoning, partly because I can’t resist. If it tastes delicious now, imagine what baking it with cheese will do!

5. Build the casserole layers

Now comes the fun part—layering! Grab a 9×13 casserole dish (or whatever size dish is clean and handy). Scatter half of your zucchini slices across the bottom. Don’t worry if it looks a little sparse; zucchini cooks down in the oven, and you’ll be glad you didn’t overload it.
Next, spoon half of the turkey-tomato mixture on top, spreading it gently. Sprinkle on a handful of shredded cheese for that melty goodness. Repeat the layers: zucchini, turkey mixture, more cheese. If you’re using breadcrumbs, scatter them on top for a crispy finish. It doesn’t have to be picture-perfect—casseroles are about comfort, not perfection.

6. Bake to bubbly perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes. The casserole should be bubbly around the edges, with the top turning golden brown. Depending on your oven’s personality (mine likes to run hotter on the left side), you may need to add a few extra minutes. The smell at this point? Like a warm hug filling your whole house.

7. Rest & serve

Here’s the hard part: let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps the casserole set, making it easier to scoop into neat portions. Of course, if you’ve got hungry people circling the kitchen like sharks, I won’t blame you for diving in early. Just know it might be a little messy—and deliciously so.

Cooking Tips for the Best Casserole

Too watery? Zucchini naturally releases liquid. To avoid a soupy casserole, lightly salt and blot zucchini slices with a paper towel before layering.
Cheese lovers unite: Don’t hold back—add an extra sprinkle on top for that golden, bubbly crust.
Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole in the morning, refrigerate, then bake at dinner. Perfect for busy weekdays.
Freezer-friendly: Bake, cool, and portion out leftovers. They reheat beautifully for quick lunches.

My Little Anecdote

This casserole first saved me on one of those weeks—soccer practice, late work calls, and a mountain of laundry that seemed to multiply when I wasn’t looking. I threw this together with what I had on hand, and when my kids asked for seconds, I knew it had earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation.

Close-up slice of creamy Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole layered with zucchini, cheese, and savory turkey in a white dish. — A rich and cheesy Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole slice showing tender zucchini layers, savory turkey, and a golden bubbly topping.

FAQs About Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Beef makes it richer—just drain off extra grease before layering.

What’s the best cheese to use?

I usually reach for cheddar or mozzarella, but Monterey Jack or even a Mexican blend works deliciously.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free ones. You won’t miss a thing.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Bring Cozy Comfort to the Table

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole is one of those meals that makes life a little easier while still tasting like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that actually get eaten, this recipe has your back. Try it once, and I promise—it’ll sneak into your regular weeknight lineup.

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole hit the spot, you’ll definitely enjoy these other comfort-filled, weeknight-friendly recipes:

Looking for another veggie-packed bake? Try this hearty Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchilada Casserole—it’s wholesome, filling, and packed with flavor.
Craving more turkey recipes? These Crispy Baked Ground Turkey bites are a quick and lighter alternative to traditional fried favorites.
For another cheesy dinner the whole family will devour, check out my Dump and Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole—fresh, creamy, and effortless.
Love zucchini recipes? You’ll adore these Stuffed Zucchini boats—easy to make, customizable, and a great way to sneak in more veggies.