Zoodles and Squoodles Pizza Casserole
Try this Zoodles and Squoodles Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Zoodles and Squoodles Pizza Casserole recipe, or contribute your own.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 lbs ground turkey (i bought 85/15 but you can get lean
- 1 15 oz can pizza sauce
- 2 zucchini, sliced lengthwise and into strips
- 2 yellow squash sliced lengthwise and into strips
- 6-8 sundried tomatoes (the more the better honestly) chopped
- 1-2 tablespoons fat (olive oil coconut oil, bacon fat, etc)
- Carbohydrate 9.14994376856378 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.403871250819391 g
- Fiber 1.3465124790569 g
- Protein 1.85413500376175 g
- Saturated Fat 0.159595875323795 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (920g)
- Sodium 77.140322923686 mg
- Sugar 7.80343128950689 g
- Trans Fat 0.0690337501400585 g
- Calories 42 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat fat over medium-high heat in a large skillet and add your 2 lbs of ground turkey. Add spices (onion powder, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) and mix to combine.
- Cut the ends off the zucchini and squash and cut them thinly, lengthwise using your knife or mandoline. Once they are cut lengthwise, cut those strips into smaller strips, like fettuccine noodle size.
- Once your turkey has cooked about halfway through, add your can of tomato sauce and mix to combine. Let cook down for about 3-5 more minutes.
- Once the turkey is done, add your ground turkey, sundried tomatoes, and zoodles and squoodles to a 9 x 11 baking dish.
- Add your can of pizza sauce on top, along with some salt and pepper. Mix with a large spoon so all the “oodles” and ground turkey are covered in pizza sauce!
- Throw that in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the top is slightly browned and the veggies are soft.
- Let sit for an hour.
My Unexpectedly Delicious Zoodles and Squoodles Pizza Casserole
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. My days are a whirlwind of meetings, school runs, and trying to squeeze in a workout before collapsing onto the sofa at the end of the day. So when I stumbled upon this zoodles and squoodles pizza casserole recipe, I was initially skeptical. Zucchini and squash in a pizza casserole? It sounded…unconventional, to say the least. But desperate times call for desperate measures (or at least, desperate attempts at a quick, healthy dinner!), and let me tell you, this recipe exceeded all expectations.
The initial prep was surprisingly straightforward. I’ll admit, I did splurge and buy a mandoline slicer—the little gadget is a lifesaver for efficiently slicing vegetables into those thin, fettuccine-like strips. But even if you don’t have one, a sharp knife and a little patience will do the trick. The real magic happened when I combined the perfectly cooked ground turkey (I used lean ground turkey for a lighter option) with the vibrant zoodles and squoodles. The combination of savory turkey, sweet sundried tomatoes, and tangy pizza sauce created an unexpectedly harmonious flavor profile.
The baking process was simple, requiring minimal supervision. While the casserole baked, I managed to catch up on some emails and even fold a load of laundry. The aroma that wafted from the oven was incredible; a comforting blend of tomato, herbs, and slightly browned cheese. And the final result? A truly satisfying and surprisingly healthy meal. The casserole was packed with vegetables, offering a significant boost of vitamins and minerals to my family’s diet, without sacrificing on taste or comfort. The texture was also remarkably good; the zoodles and squoodles held their shape beautifully, offering a pleasant bite that complemented the ground turkey perfectly.
I served the casserole alongside a simple side salad, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the main course. My kids, usually picky eaters, devoured their portions, requesting seconds. This recipe has become a weekly staple in our home, a testament to its convenience, healthiness, and most importantly, its deliciousness. It’s a meal that’s easily adaptable; you can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavors to your liking, or add other vegetables to increase the nutritional value. And the best part? The leftovers are even better the next day!
This zoodles and squoodles pizza casserole is more than just a quick and easy dinner; it’s a testament to the power of creative cooking and the ability to transform humble ingredients into a truly exceptional meal. It’s a recipe that has significantly reduced my stress levels in the kitchen, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family, without compromising on nutrition or deliciousness. Give it a try; you might be surprised by how much you love it!
For those who are watching their calorie intake, the casserole is surprisingly low in calories. It is also a great way to sneak in extra vegetables for picky eaters. The versatility of this recipe allows for easy adjustments; you can swap out the ground turkey for chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option. The use of zucchini and squash also adds a fantastic moisture to the dish, ensuring it stays juicy and delicious even after it has cooled down. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy individuals and families alike. I highly recommend this recipe for its simplicity, health benefits, and absolutely delightful taste.
Tips and Variations:
- Feel free to add different cheeses to the top of the casserole for extra flavor and richness.
- Spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground turkey mixture.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or chickpeas.
- Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions, to increase the nutritional value.
- Experiment with different types of pizza sauce for a unique flavor profile.
This zoodles and squoodles pizza casserole is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a recipe that’s both satisfying and nutritious, perfect for busy weeknights. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it!
