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To make Zucchini Pizza Casserole, you will need: - 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 cup mushrooms, chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) You can change this dish to fit your tastes. Try these options: - Use ground beef or sausage instead of turkey or chicken. - Add spinach or kale for extra greens. - Swap marinara sauce for pesto for a different flavor. - Use a mix of cheese: gouda or cheddar can add a nice twist. This casserole is not just tasty; it’s also good for you. A serving offers: - Calories: Approximately 400 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 12g - Fat: 25g - Fiber: 3g - Sugars: 6g Knowing these facts helps you plan meals for your family. Enjoy cooking this healthy and fun dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need four medium zucchinis, one pound of ground turkey or chicken, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Don't forget the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and mushrooms. You will also need Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Finally, get two cups of marinara sauce and two cups of shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a bit of oil. This step helps prevent sticking later. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and clear. This usually takes about 3 minutes. Now, add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Cook it until it is brown and no longer pink. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once the meat is cooked, add the diced red bell pepper and chopped mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes. You want the veggies to soften up. Then, season the mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the marinara sauce and stir well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors. Now it’s time to build your casserole. Start by layering the sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish. This will be your first layer. Next, pour half of the meat and sauce mixture over the zucchini. Spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the meat layer. Add another layer of zucchini slices. Pour the remaining meat and sauce mixture over this layer. Finally, top with the last of the zucchini slices. Finish with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil. Bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a lightly golden top. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if you like. Enjoy your tasty Zucchini Pizza Casserole! To make the best zucchini pizza casserole, choose firm zucchinis. Slice them thin for even cooking. Use fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. I love adding fresh basil on top after baking. It adds a nice touch! You can also mix different cheeses. Try adding provolone or cheddar for a twist. Be sure to let your casserole sit before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. A common mistake is overcooking the zucchini. It can become mushy and lose its texture. Also, don’t skip the layer of cheese on top. It creates a nice golden crust. Make sure to season your meat well. If you don’t, the dish may taste bland. Lastly, check the baking time. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it while baking. Serve your zucchini pizza casserole with a fresh side salad. A light vinaigrette pairs well and adds crunch. You can also offer garlic bread for a nice touch. If you want to keep it light, serve with steamed veggies. This casserole is filling, so small portions work great. Don't forget extra cheese for those who love it! Pro Tips Tip Title: Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Zucchini can hold a lot of water, so after slicing, consider salting the rounds and letting them sit for about 15 minutes to draw out moisture. This will help prevent your casserole from becoming soggy. Tip Title: Customize Your Meat: Feel free to substitute the ground turkey or chicken with other proteins like beef, sausage, or even a plant-based alternative for a different flavor profile. Tip Title: Cheese Variations: Mix up the cheese by adding different types like provolone, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor complexity and a kick. Tip Title: Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Instead of meat, use cooked lentils or crumbled tofu. Both add protein and texture. You can also add more veggies like spinach or eggplant. Everyone will enjoy the added flavors and nutrition. If you're lactose intolerant or want a change, try dairy-free cheese. There are many options made from nuts or soy. You can also use a mix of ricotta and nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. You can switch the ground turkey or chicken for other proteins. Try ground beef for a heartier flavor. You could also use sausage for a spicy kick. For a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. All these choices keep the dish fun and tasty. To keep your zucchini pizza casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to four days. If you plan to eat it later, this method works best. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Warm it for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze your zucchini pizza casserole, that’s easy too! Cut it into single servings and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy individual portions later. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed. You can easily make Zucchini Pizza Casserole ahead. First, prepare the dish as usual. After layering the casserole, cover it tightly with foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Yes, you can use different vegetables! Zucchini is great, but other veggies work too. Consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or even eggplant. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces. This way, they cook well and blend with the flavors. Feel free to mix and match based on what you like. Zucchini Pizza Casserole pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve garlic bread for a nice crunch. If you want something warm, a bowl of soup is great too. These sides help balance the hearty casserole and make your meal complete. This guide covered all parts of making a great Zucchini Pizza Casserole. We explored the key ingredients and how to adjust them for your taste. I shared a step-by-step method for perfect preparation and cooking. Helpful tips helped you avoid mistakes and serve it right. Plus, I detailed storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Try your own variations to make it unique. With these steps, you can enjoy this dish anytime!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious and healthy twist on pizza, featuring layers of zucchini, ground turkey, marinara sauce, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 bunch fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
  • Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Stir in the bell pepper and mushrooms, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Season the meat mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, and add the marinara sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
  • In the bottom of the prepared baking dish, layer the sliced zucchini evenly.
  • Pour half of the meat and marinara sauce mixture over the zucchini layer, spreading it evenly.
  • Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
  • Add another layer of zucchini slices, followed by the remaining meat sauce mixture. Top with the remaining zucchini slices and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
  • Once done, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor.
Keyword casserole, healthy, pizza, turkey, zucchini