Zucchini Noodle Casserole

Servings: 4 Total Time: 45 mins Difficulty: Beginner
A cozy, low-carb comfort bake with tender zucchini noodles, gooey cheese, and savory tomato sauce — light, melty, and surprisingly hearty.
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 25 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins
Cooking Temp: 190  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 12 Calories: 370
Best Season: Spring, Summer

Description

This Zucchini Noodle Casserole is like lasagna’s lighter, veggie-loving cousin. Swirls of tender zucchini noodles are layered with a rich tomato sauce, cheesy filling, and a golden top that bubbles in the oven. It’s cozy, flavorful, and perfect when you want something indulgent but still light.

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

🛒 Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Spiralize the zucchini or use pre-spiralized noodles. Place them in a colander with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Then gently squeeze out excess water.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

  1. In a pan over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add marinara sauce and cooked ground turkey (if using). Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese

  1. In a bowl, stir together mozzarella, ricotta, and half the Parmesan.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. In a greased 8x8 baking dish, layer zucchini noodles.
  2. Add spoonfuls of meat sauce, then cheese mix.
  3. Repeat layers and finish with the rest of the Parmesan on top.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

  1. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
  2. Slice and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Serving Size ~1 square slice (~1.5 cu370ps cooked)


Amount Per Serving
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 80mg27%
Sodium 540mg23%
Potassium 480mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 5g
Protein 25g50%

Vitamin A 950 IU
Vitamin C 14 mg
Calcium 220 mg
Iron 2.1 mg
Vitamin D 10 IU
Vitamin E 2 IU
Folate 50 mcg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

💡 Tips & Swaps

  • No ricotta? Use cottage cheese or mash tofu with lemon juice for a dairy-free version.
  • Want it meatless? Skip the ground meat — it’s still filling!
  • For crispier zucchini, bake the noodles for 10 minutes solo before assembling.
Keywords: zucchini noodle casserole, low carb baked zucchini, easy zucchini casserole, cheesy zucchini bake
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💙 Why You’ll Love It

  • It’s lasagna-like, but low in carbs
  • Cheesy, saucy, and soul-warming
  • Kid-friendly and veggie-packed
  • Easily gluten-free and meat-optional
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I prep this ahead?

Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Does it freeze well?

It’s best fresh, but leftovers can be frozen and reheated for quick meals.

Can I add other veggies?

Sure! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great.

How do I keep it from being watery?

Salt and drain zucchini first, and don’t overdo the sauce.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes — just choose one with no added sugar or go homemade!

Shopie Lane

Food and Lifestyle Blogger

Hi, I’m Sophie Lane — a food lover, curious traveler, and storyteller at heart. I’m passionate about inspiring others to live healthier, happier lives through simple, nourishing meals and mindful exploration of the world.

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