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- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds - 1 lb ground turkey or chicken - 1 cup pizza sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers - 1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Zucchini is the star of this dish. I love how its mild taste absorbs flavors well. You can choose any color of bell pepper. Each adds a pop of color. Ground turkey or chicken keeps this dish light. You can swap it for your favorite protein too. Pizza sauce is key for that familiar taste. You can use store-bought or make your own. I recommend using fresh garlic and onion. They add depth and warmth. The black olives provide a briny bite. Don't skip the seasoning! Oregano and basil bring that Italian flair. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick. Lastly, the cheese! Mozzarella gives that gooey texture. Parmesan adds a rich finish. Together, these ingredients create a fun and easy meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures that your casserole cooks evenly. If you skip this step, your dish may not cook well. In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and clear. This step fills your kitchen with a tasty smell. Add ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and not pink. Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to mix all the flavors. In a large bowl, mix the sliced zucchini rounds with a little salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This helps pull out extra water, making your dish less soggy. After 10 minutes, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel. Grab a rectangular casserole dish to build your layers. Start by spreading half the pizza sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked meat next. Layer half of the zucchini slices on top, followed by half of the black olives, bell peppers, and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering, ending with the last bit of pizza sauce and mozzarella. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden. Once done, cool the casserole for about 5 minutes to make slicing easier. To ensure even cooking, always preheat your oven. This helps everything cook uniformly. When layering the casserole, start with a thin layer of sauce. This layer keeps the bottom moist. Sauté the ground meat until brown. This gives a nice flavor base. Avoid soggy zucchini by salting your slices. Let them sit for ten minutes to draw out moisture. After that, pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is key to a great texture. For presentation, cut the casserole into squares. Arrange them on plates and add a garnish. Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color. Drizzle extra pizza sauce around the plate for flair. This enhances the meal's look and flavor. Pair the casserole with a simple side salad. A mix of greens and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread also makes a great side, adding crunch and flavor. If you want an alternative for ground meat, try lentils or mushrooms. Both options add great flavor and texture. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian twist. For a low-carb option, stick to zucchini as your base. You can use cauliflower rice instead of grains. This keeps your meal light and healthy while still being tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Select firm, fresh zucchini for the best texture and flavor. Look for ones that are medium-sized and have smooth skin. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add your favorite veggies or meats to personalize the casserole to your taste. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy! {{image_4}} You can swap meat for plant-based options. Try using lentils, mushrooms, or tempeh. These choices add texture and flavor. You can also mix in extra veggies. Spinach, zucchini flowers, or artichokes work great. This adds color and nutrition. For those who love heat, add more spice! Red pepper flakes are a solid choice. Try jalapeños for a fresh kick. You might also enjoy adding hot sauce in your layers. These spices will transform your dish into a fiery delight. Cheese can change the whole taste! Instead of mozzarella, consider using provolone or gouda. These cheeses offer a smoky flavor. You can also mix in feta for a tangy twist. Each cheese adds its own unique touch. Feel free to experiment with your favorites! To store leftover zucchini pizza casserole, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want the best taste, eat it sooner. For long-term storage, freeze the casserole. Cut it into portions before freezing. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. To keep the texture nice, reheating in the oven works best. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to avoid drying out. Warm it for about 20 minutes. If you use the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Check it often to keep it from getting too hot. This way, it stays soft and tasty. To make this dish gluten-free, you can switch the pizza sauce. Look for a brand that is clearly labeled as gluten-free. You can also make your own sauce with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want to add a crispy topping. Always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are safe for gluten-free diets. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. You can layer all the ingredients in the dish and cover it with foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe dish. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds a nice touch. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices also work well. For a heartier meal, serve it with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also add a side of marinara sauce for dipping. In this post, we've explored how to create a delicious zucchini pizza casserole. You learned about key ingredients like zucchini, turkey, and mozzarella. We detailed step-by-step instructions, along with tips and variations. Don’t forget about storage methods for leftovers and reheating options. This dish is flexible, making it perfect for any diet. With these ideas, you can enjoy a tasty meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Dive in and make it your own!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious and healthy twist on pizza, featuring layers of zucchini, ground turkey or chicken, and plenty of cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lb ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup sliced black olives
  • 0.5 cup diced bell peppers
  • 0.5 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Introduce the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks and continue to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, until fully browned. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini rounds with a sprinkle of salt. Allow them to sit for about 10 minutes, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • In a rectangular casserole dish, spread half of the pizza sauce evenly over the bottom.
  • Layer half of the cooked ground meat mixture over the sauce, followed by half of the zucchini slices, black olives, diced bell peppers, and one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the last bit of pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer of mozzarella.
  • Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of pizza sauce before serving.
Keyword casserole, ground turkey, healthy, pizza, zucchini