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Million Dollar Keto Ground Turkey Casserole - Cozy, Cheesy, Low-Carb Comfort

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground turkey (93% lean is ideal—juicy but not greasy)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced small (or 2 cups riced cauliflower)
  • 1.5 cups no-sugar-added marinara sauce (check labels; 4–6g net carbs per 1/2 cup)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for richer flavor)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta (or cottage cheese, well drained)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • Nonstick spray for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Prep the dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Brown the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink and slightly browned, 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add veggies and spices: Stir in diced zucchini (or riced cauliflower). Cook 3–4 minutes until just tender. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Build the sauce: Add marinara and tomato paste. Simmer 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir in chopped basil or parsley.
  5. Make the “million dollar” layer: In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of mozzarella. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Assemble: Spread half the turkey mixture in the baking dish. Dollop and gently spread the cheese mixture over it. Top with the remaining turkey mixture. Finish with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella.
  7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden at the edges.
  8. Rest and garnish: Let it rest 10 minutes before serving to set the layers. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.