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Healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Bake | High Protein Family Dinner

Ground Turkey Zucchini Bake

A low carb, high protein casserole made with lean ground turkey, shredded zucchini, marinara, and melted mozzarella, baked until golden in one skillet.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
  • 2 medium zucchini shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt for drawing out zucchini liquid
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F so it's ready as soon as the skillet mixture is assembled.
  2. Salt the zucchini: Toss the shredded zucchini with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a colander and let it sit for 10 minutes to pull out excess water.
  3. Squeeze zucchini dry: Transfer the zucchini to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible; set aside.
  4. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, add the onion, and cook 3 minutes until softened. Add ground turkey and garlic, breaking the meat into small crumbles, and cook 6 to 8 minutes until no pink remains.
  5. Season the mixture: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook 1 more minute until fragrant.
  6. Add zucchini and sauce: Fold the drained zucchini and marinara sauce into the turkey mixture and stir until evenly combined.
  7. Stir in the egg: Remove the skillet from heat briefly and stir in the beaten egg so it binds the mixture without scrambling.
  8. Spread it flat: Press the mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the skillet with a spatula.
  9. Top with cheese: Scatter mozzarella evenly over the top, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  10. Bake until bubbly: Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges turn golden and start to pull from the pan.
  11. Rest and slice: Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before slicing so it holds together when served.