Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 6)

Casserole base:

1½ lbs lean ground turkey (you love high-protein!)
3 medium zucchinis, sliced into ½” rounds or half-moons (you love fresh veggies!)
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes (you love low-sodium!)
2 tbsp tomato paste (no added sugar—you love blood sugar friendly!)

Seasonings & herbs:

1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional—you love spicy!)
Salt & black pepper to taste (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)

Topping:

1½ cups shredded mozzarella or Italian blend cheese (use reduced-sodium—you love low-sodium!)
Optional: Fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Brown turkey:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, cook ground turkey over medium heat 6–8 minutes until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.

2. Sauté aromatics:

Add onion; cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic; cook 30 seconds more.

3. Build sauce:

Stir in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes.

4. Layer zucchini:

Nestle zucchini slices into sauce, submerging slightly.

5. Bake:

Cover with foil; bake 20 minutes.
Remove foil; top with cheese. Bake uncovered 10–15 minutes until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden.

6. Serve:

Garnish with fresh herbs.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Salt zucchini lightly & drain (optional)—reduces excess moisture.
✅ Use full-fat cheese—better melt and flavor.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added tomatoes + reduced-sodium cheese
→ Boost umami with extra garlic, herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ No added sugars—naturally low-glycemic!
→ Net carbs: 8g per serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant! <10g net carbs/serving
→ Increase healthy fats: extra olive oil drizzle
✅ Make ahead:
→ Assemble 1 day ahead; refrigerate (add 5–10 min to bake time)
→ Keeps 4 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: 4 days | Freezer: 3 months
→ Serving ideas:
→ As a standalone dinner
→ With a side salad or garlic green beans
→ For meal prep—portion into containers

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):