Ground Turkey Casserole Without Pasta – Bold and Satisfying

Ground turkey casserole without pasta might sound like it’s missing something—but stay with me. This isn’t your average low-carb dinner. Imagine tender turkey spiced with warm Moroccan ras el hanout, tucked into a bed of sautéed zucchini, onions, and bell peppers, then baked until golden with a savory egg blend and a kiss of lemon. No pasta. No bland shortcuts. Just bold flavor in a lighter, guilt-free bake.

If you’re chasing comfort food that won’t weigh you down, or you’re deep into a keto or gluten-free journey but craving something cozy—this dish might just surprise you. It’s earthy, hearty, and layered with flavor in a way only North African-inspired spice blends can deliver. And best of all? It comes together in under 45 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This

• No Pasta, No Problem: Perfect for low-carb or gluten-free lifestyles—without sacrificing comfort.
• Bold Moroccan Flavor: Ras el hanout, preserved lemon, and cumin add depth without complicating the recipe.
• One Pan, Weeknight Ready: Easy enough for a busy Tuesday, delicious enough for weekend guests.
• Meal Prep Hero: Stores and reheats beautifully—make once, enjoy all week.
• Protein-Packed & Satisfying: Lean turkey, veggies, and eggs make this a well-balanced, filling main course.

Recipe Recap: Ground Turkey Casserole Without Pasta

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal per serving

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Keto Diet Explained (Harvard)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this ground turkey casserole without pasta to life. Don’t worry—most of it is pantry-friendly, with just a few special spices to take the flavor next-level.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey – lean or extra lean works best
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, any color, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional if you’re low FODMAP)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or garlic-infused oil for sensitivity)
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup full-fat Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese, optional (cheddar, mozzarella, or dairy-free alt)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Moroccan Flavor Boosters

• 1 1/2 tsp ras el hanout (or a blend of cumin, paprika, cinnamon, coriander)
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp turmeric (optional for warmth + color)
• 1 tbsp preserved lemon, finely chopped (or a squeeze of fresh lemon zest + juice)
• Pinch of cayenne or chili flakes, if you want heat

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup riced cauliflower (for more texture)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (for richer body)
• 2 tbsp almond flour (for binding if skipping cheese)

Ingredient Note:
Ras el hanout is the real star here—it’s the North African answer to curry powder, and adds a depth that makes this casserole feel way more complex than it actually is.

What is Ras el Hanout?

How To Make Ground Turkey Casserole Without Pasta

Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a ground turkey casserole without pasta that smells like a Moroccan street kitchen—but bakes like a clean, weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Preheat & Prep.
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a medium casserole dish (8×8 or similar) with olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Sauté the Aromatics.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Add the Turkey & Spices.
Crumble in the ground turkey. Season with salt, pepper, ras el hanout, cumin, turmeric, and a pinch of cayenne. Cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Stir in the zucchini and preserved lemon during the last 2 minutes.

Preserved Lemon in Moroccan Cooking

4. Mix the Binder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, Greek yogurt, half of the chopped herbs, and half the shredded cheese (if using). Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. Combine & Assemble.
Remove turkey mixture from heat. Let it cool for 1–2 minutes, then gently fold in the egg-yogurt mixture. Spread everything evenly into your prepared casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese (if using).

6. Bake to Perfection.
Place the dish in the center rack of your oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden on top and firm in the center. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tip:
If you want a crispier top, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch it closely to avoid burning the edges.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with foil and store in the fridge. When ready, bake as instructed—just add 5–10 extra minutes if it’s coming straight from cold.

Tips & Tricks

Cooking a ground turkey casserole without pasta might sound straightforward—but small details make a big difference when you’re working without starchy fillers like noodles. Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Don’t Skip the Spice Bloom

Before adding your ras el hanout or other spices, let them toast for 30–60 seconds in the pan with the olive oil. This wakes up their aromatic oils and deepens the flavor. It’s a small step with a big payoff.

2. Watch the Moisture

Zucchini can release a lot of water. If you’re using especially juicy zucchini, lightly salt and drain it in a colander for 10–15 minutes, then pat dry. This keeps your casserole from going soggy.

3. Balance Creaminess with Tang

Greek yogurt adds richness, but don’t underestimate the brightness from preserved lemon or a splash of vinegar. That little “zing” lifts the whole dish and keeps it from tasting flat.

4. Go Light on the Cheese—or Skip It

This casserole doesn’t need cheese to be delicious. A sprinkle on top adds indulgence, but it holds together beautifully thanks to the eggs and yogurt. Want dairy-free? Sub in cashew cream or skip it entirely.

5. Add Texture with a Top Crust

For a little crunch, sprinkle almond flour or crushed pumpkin seeds on top before baking. It adds a rustic, satisfying bite—like a faux breadcrumb crust, minus the carbs.

Low-Carb vs Keto: What’s the Difference?

Insider Tip:
Serve with a drizzle of harissa yogurt or lemon tahini on the side for dipping or drizzling—it turns a humble casserole into something restaurant-worthy.

Substitutions or Variations (With Quantities & Instructions)

You don’t need to follow the exact ingredients to enjoy this ground turkey casserole without pasta. Below are easy, tested swaps—each with matching quantities and adjusted instructions to ensure the final dish still turns out flavorful and structurally sound.

Vegetarian Twist (Meatless)

Swap:

• 1 lb ground turkey → 1 1/2 cups cooked green lentils (or 12 oz plant-based ground meat)

Instructions:

• Sauté lentils with onions, garlic, and spices just like the turkey.
• If using tofu or tempeh: crumble and pan-fry for 6–8 min before combining.

Note: Lentils may need an extra pinch of salt or a splash of soy sauce for deeper flavor.

Dairy-Free Option

Swap:

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt → 1/2 cup coconut yogurt (unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese → skip or use 1/2 cup dairy-free cheese

Instructions:

• Whisk the coconut yogurt with eggs as you would with dairy.
• If skipping cheese entirely, add 1 tbsp almond flour for structure.

Grain-Enhanced Version (Not Low-Carb)

Add:

• 3/4 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (fully drained)
• Or: 1 cup cooked couscous for Moroccan flair

Instructions:

• Fold grains into the mixture right before transferring to the baking dish.
• Reduce vegetables slightly (e.g., use 1 zucchini instead of 2) to avoid excess volume.

Kid-Friendly Tweaks

Adjust:

• Ras el hanout → use just 3/4 tsp
• Add 2–3 tbsp tomato sauce to the egg mix for a “pizza casserole” flavor
• Use mild cheddar and let kids sprinkle cheese before baking

Instructions:

• Follow normal cooking steps; tomato sauce adds moisture, so reduce yogurt to 1/3 cup

Texture Boosters

Add:

• 1 cup chopped spinach or kale (stirred in raw)
• 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms or 1/2 cup roasted sweet potato cubes

Instructions:

• If using spinach or kale: chop finely and mix raw into turkey just before eggs
• Mushrooms/sweet potato should be cooked before adding to avoid wateriness

DIY Ras el Hanout Substitute:
Mix:
1/2 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp paprika + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp coriander = a near match.

Conclusion A Casserole That Does More Than Fill You

This ground turkey casserole without pasta is more than just a healthy dinner—it’s proof that comfort food can evolve. It respects your time, your goals, and your taste buds. With its Moroccan-inspired edge and weeknight simplicity, it bridges that gap between flavor and function that so many recipes miss.

So if you’re craving something hearty yet light, adventurous but familiar—this might just be your new go-to. And the best part? It’s yours to adapt, remix, and make again and again.

Tied it? Loved it?
We’d love to hear from you. Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, or tag us on social with your own twist.

And if you’re into globally inspired healthy dishes, check out our [Moroccan Chicken Tagine Casserole] next. It’s a reader favorite—and one of mine too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.