zucchini stuffing casserole recipe

The Best zucchini stuffing casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share this zucchini stuffing casserole recipe with you, it’s one of my family’s absolute favorites. We first discovered this dish when I was growing up in the Midwest, where it’s a staple at many family gatherings.

The combination of tender zucchini, savory stuffing, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven. As a busy mom, I love that this recipe is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

My kids adore helping me assemble the casserole and can’t get enough of the ooey-gooey cheese on top. This recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also a great way to get your daily dose of veggies, thanks to the abundance of zucchini.

When I serve this at family gatherings, everyone raves about how flavorful and satisfying it is. I’ve even had guests ask for the recipe, which is always a testament to its popularity.

As for me, I just love how versatile this dish is – we’ve enjoyed it as a side dish, a main course, and even as a midnight snack (don’t tell anyone!) The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to customize with your favorite ingredients and leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a fun twist on traditional stuffing, this zucchini stuffing casserole recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Zucchini Stuffing Casserole

4.6 from 1822 votes

A comforting casserole featuring zucchini and savory stuffing, baked to perfection. This dish is a great way to use up zucchini from your garden and make a hearty meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Zucchini

4 medium zucchini
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

For the Stuffing

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried sage
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Topping

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
3Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5Add ground turkey, onion, and garlic.
6Cook until turkey is browned and onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
7Drain excess fat.
8In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs, thyme, sage, Parmesan cheese, and egg.
9Add the cooked turkey mixture to the bowl and stir until well combined.
10Spoon the stuffing mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down gently.
11Place the stuffed zucchini boats in a baking dish.
12Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13After 20 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each zucchini boat.
14Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender.
15Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
16This allows the stuffing to set and makes it easier to serve.
17Serve hot and enjoy your zucchini stuffing casserole.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Cutting board
Knife
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground chicken or beef for the turkey. For a vegetarian option, use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Add your favorite vegetables to the stuffing mixture for extra nutrition.

This zucchini stuffing casserole recipe has become a staple in our household – we love it so much that we’ve even served it at family gatherings and potlucks! One thing I appreciate about this recipe is how well it stores – leftovers keep perfectly in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days or 3 months respectively.

When reheating leftovers, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) until they’re hot and bubbly again. As an added bonus, this casserole makes an amazing base for meal prep – simply portion out individual servings into containers or ziplock bags and enjoy throughout the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Stuffing Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of cheese you like best – cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta work well in this casserole. If you want to get fancy, you could try mixing different types of cheese together for an extra-rich flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time because it can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q: How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming mushy?

A: To keep your zucchini from becoming mushy, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible after grating it. You can also try using young zucchinis or those that are harvested when they’re smaller in size.

Q: Can I substitute other vegetables for the zucchini?

A: While zucchini is the star of this show, you can definitely experiment with other vegetables like carrots or spinach if you prefer. Just be aware that using different vegetables may change the flavor profile and texture slightly.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

A: Yes! This casserole is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. However, be sure to check your stuffing mix for hidden gluten sources before serving.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers for later?

A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes beautifully and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

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