Zucchini Pizza Casserole

$- 4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin rounds - 1 lb (450g) ground turkey or chicken - 1 cup pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade) The star of this dish is the zucchini. It gives a fresh taste and a nice texture. You slice the zucchini into thin rounds to allow for even cooking. Ground turkey or chicken adds protein and flavor. I prefer turkey for its lean quality, but chicken works well too. The pizza sauce ties everything together, forming a rich base full of flavor. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Cheese is key to this casserole! Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all love. Parmesan adds a sharp and salty kick on top. You can use more mozzarella or mix in your favorite cheese for a different taste. - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color) - 1/2 cup finely chopped onion - 2 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor and nutrition, I like to use black olives and bell peppers. They bring color and taste. Onions and garlic create a savory base that enhances the dish. Feel free to add more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to make it your own. You can also skip the olives if they aren't your favorite. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need to prep the zucchini. Slice four medium zucchinis into thin rounds. This helps them cook evenly. After slicing, sprinkle some salt on the zucchini and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This step helps draw out moisture, so your casserole is not soggy. Next, let's sauté the onions and garlic. In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add half a cup of diced onion and two minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions turn translucent. This step adds great flavor to your dish. Now, it's time to cook the meat. Add one pound of ground turkey or chicken to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is fully cooked. Season the meat with salt, pepper, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Mix it all well to ensure every bite is full of flavor. Let’s build the layers of the casserole. Start with your pizza sauce. Spread half of your one cup of pizza sauce on the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish. Now, layer half of the meat mixture over the sauce. Next, add half of the zucchini slices. Then, sprinkle half a cup of sliced black olives and half a cup of diced bell peppers. Top that with a third of a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients. Finish with the last of the pizza sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Finally, sprinkle half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese over everything for a rich, cheesy finish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before slicing it into squares. Enjoy your tasty zucchini pizza casserole! To get the best texture, start by removing excess moisture from the zucchini. Zucchini has a lot of water. If you don't remove it, your casserole may turn out soggy. After slicing the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. This draws out the moisture. Then, gently pat the slices dry with a paper towel. This step is key to keeping your casserole firm. To prevent a soggy casserole, layer your ingredients wisely. Start with a layer of pizza sauce at the bottom. This helps create a barrier that keeps moisture away from the zucchini. Also, don’t overcook the zucchini. It should still have a little crunch before baking. For a tasty kick, add spices and herbs like oregano and basil. These herbs will bring out the flavor of the zucchini and meat. I also suggest adding garlic for a savory touch. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. This small addition can make a big difference. You can also add extra ingredients for more flavor. Chopped bell peppers add sweetness and color. Sliced black olives bring a salty bite. Consider adding mushrooms or spinach if you want extra veggies. These options help create a rich taste. Presentation matters. To serve the casserole, cut it into squares. Place them on a nice plate for a lovely look. You can garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a pop of color and freshness. Drizzling a bit of extra pizza sauce around the edges makes the dish even more inviting. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. These small touches make your casserole stand out and taste even better. Pro Tips Layer Wisely: Ensure that you layer the ingredients evenly to prevent any sogginess and allow for even cooking throughout the casserole. Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh basil or oregano to the layers right before serving. Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to customize your casserole by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, or spinach. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares. {{image_2}} You can make this casserole vegetarian by swapping the meat. Use lentils, chickpeas, or diced tofu. These options add protein and flavor without meat. You can also add more veggies. Spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini flowers work well. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. For a gluten-free version, check your pizza sauce. Many brands are gluten-free, but read the label. You can also try making your own sauce. Blend tomatoes, garlic, and herbs for a fresh taste. For cheese, use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Both options melt well and keep the dish creamy. If you want a low-carb dish, use cauliflower instead of zucchini. Grate it to create a rice-like texture. This change lowers the carb count. For cheese, look for keto-friendly options. Cream cheese or full-fat mozzarella can fit your keto diet. Choose sauces that are low in carbs to complete your meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. It lasts about 3 to 5 days. Before storing, let it cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from making it soggy. The best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes, or until it’s warm throughout. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, but check to avoid hot spots. To keep the texture nice, avoid overheating. This can make the zucchini mushy. To freeze zucchini pizza casserole, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For reheating, use the oven. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. This ensures it heats evenly and keeps its great texture. Yes, you can mix it up! Try using cheddar cheese for a sharp flavor. Provolone or gouda can also add a nice twist. If you want a dairy-free option, use cashew cheese or nutritional yeast. Experimenting with different cheeses gives you a new taste each time. Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day before. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. Prepping ahead saves time on busy nights. Yes, this recipe works great for meal prep! Divide the casserole into single portions. Use airtight containers to store them. You can keep these in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat. This makes healthy meals easy and quick. This blog post covered a delicious zucchini pizza casserole. We explored key ingredients like zucchini, turkey, and cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions on prepping and cooking, along with tips to enhance flavor. You can even tweak it for vegetarian or low-carb needs. In conclusion, you can make this dish to fit your taste. Enjoy the freshness, and don't hesitate to get creative!$

A delicious and healthy twist on pizza, featuring layers of zucchini, ground turkey, and cheese.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 10

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 (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic; sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced zucchini rounds with a sprinkle of salt. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften. Afterward, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
In a rectangular casserole dish, start layering the ingredients: First, spread half of the pizza sauce over the bottom of the dish.
Layer half of the sautéed ground meat mixture over the sauce. Then add half of the zucchini slices, followed by half of the black olives, diced bell peppers, and a third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the last of the pizza sauce and the mozzarella cheese on top.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve the casserole by cutting it into squares and garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. You can also drizzle a bit of extra pizza sauce around the edges for added flavor.

Keyword casserole, ground turkey, healthy, pizza, zucchini