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Low Carb Ground Turkey Zucchini Bake | Easy High Protein Dinner

Low Carb Ground Turkey Zucchini Bake

A savory, cheesy casserole of browned ground turkey, shredded zucchini, and marinara, baked until golden and bubbling for an easy low carb dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 pounds ground turkey
  • 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 3 medium) squeezed dry
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray so the casserole releases easily once baked.
  2. Shred and dry zucchini: Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater, then wrap the shreds in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly over the sink until the liquid stops dripping.
  3. Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced onion, and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula, and cook until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
  5. Season and cool filling: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the dried zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it won't cook the eggs.
  6. Mix in eggs and cheese: Stir the eggs, half the mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese into the cooled turkey mixture until evenly combined and the filling looks cohesive.
  7. Spread into baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it into an even layer with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
  8. Top with marinara: Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the turkey mixture, spreading it to the edges of the dish.
  9. Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the sauce in an even layer.
  10. Bake until bubbling: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese turns golden and bubbles at the edges of the dish.
  11. Rest before slicing: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the slices hold together instead of spreading.
  12. Garnish and serve: Scatter fresh basil over the top and slice into squares to serve.