Loaded Zucchini Bake

A hearty, cheesy zucchini casserole packed with vegetables, lean protein, and plenty of flavor. Perfect for a healthy family dinner.

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Bake

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced into thin half-moons
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey or ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz/400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cheese Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Prepare the Zucchini

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place sliced zucchini in a colander and sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.

2. Cook the Filling

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and bell pepper; cook 2 minutes.
4. Add ground turkey or beef and cook until browned.
5. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

3. Assemble

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the zucchini slices in the dish.
3. Spoon the meat mixture over the zucchini.
4. Top with remaining zucchini slices.
5. Sprinkle cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the top.

4. Bake

1. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
2. If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning.

5. Finish and Serve

1. Let rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with green onions and parsley.
3. Serve warm.

Optional Vegetarian Version

Replace the meat with:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, finely chopped

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 27 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Serving Suggestions

• Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic-roasted broccoli
• Brown rice or quinoa
• Crusty whole-grain bread.