Our Clean Keto Turkey Broccoli Casserole will redefine your dinner menu. Imagine a low-carb, cheesy haven that deliciously mirrors baked ziti and lasagna, minus the carb-heavy pasta.
I've been experimenting with low-carb casseroles lately. I've truly enjoyed creating Keto casseroles from our Chicken Enchilada Casserole to BBQ Chicken Casserole.
But this keto broccoli casserole has become the whole family's favorite. Being able to indulge in the decadent flavors of Italian favorites without having a carb-heavy meal is GOLD. The roasted cauliflower mimics the texture of noodles so perfectly, you won't miss the pasta. Seriously!
Before getting started, I recommend taking a few moments to set healthy intentions. To learn more, check out our free guide to setting intentions and using affirmations.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Italian Seasoning: Opt for organic Italian seasoning to infuse your low-carb casserole with authentic herbs. A simple label indicates higher quality.
Red Pepper Flakes: Choose organic to ensure you're getting the purest form of heat.
Black Pepper: Organic black pepper supports digestion.
Fresh Basil
Avocado Oil: I prefer avocado oil for its high smoke point and healthy fats. Olive oil can also be a worthy substitute at lower temperatures.
Leeks: Organic leeks offer a mild, onion-like flavor and are rich in antioxidants.
Garlic Cloves: Minced organic garlic is known for its health benefits like immune support.
Ground Turkey: Organic, lean ground turkey is best.
Tomato Paste: Ensure the can is organic to avoid any hidden preservatives.
Crushed Tomatoes: A can of organic crushed tomatoes provides the base for our Italian-inspired broccoli bake.
Cauliflower: Use a medium organic head of cauliflower, roasted to perfection, as a low-carb substitute for pasta.
Broccoli: Pick an organic small head of broccoli that adds texture and packs a nutritional punch.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh, part-skim organic ricotta brings creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for a block of your favorite cheese to shred yourself if you're watching carbs; pre-shredded cheese often contains hidden starches.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated organic Parmesan is the best option, with limited ingredients.
Instructions
How to prepare your cauliflower and fresh broccoli florets:
Cut them into florets, and toss with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Roast them on a baking sheet at 400F for about 20 minutes to achieve the best flavor and texture.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown. Once cooked, set it aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375F. In a separate saucepan on medium heat, warm up the oil. Add the leeks and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for an additional minute.
3. Add the cooked ground turkey to the pan. Mix in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, and cook for another 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl combine the roasted cauliflower and broccoli with meat sauce.
6. In a casserole dish, layer half of the cauliflower and meat mixture. Top this with half portions of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
7. Add the remaining sauce mixture as the next layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheeses and basil on top evenly.
8. Bake for 25 min, or until the cheese turns melted and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool. Garnish with basil.
Hint: Be sure not to overfill your dish as it will bubble while heating!
Substitutions and Variations
Cream Cheese: If ricotta isn't your thing, cream cheese offers a rich alternative that can blend seamlessly into this low-carb casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Want a different flavor profile? Swap mozzarella with cheddar cheese for a sharper taste that still complements the other ingredients.
Heavy Cream: For a more indulgent dish, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the tomato sauce. This creates a creamy sauce.
Rotisserie Chicken: If turkey isn't readily available, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be a quick and easy substitute. Just shred and mix it into the sauce.
Cauliflower Rice: For a finer texture, cauliflower rice can replace the florets. This also speeds up the baking time and makes for a lighter casserole.
Ground Meats: Ground chicken or beef can stand in for ground turkey without compromising the integrity of the dish. Similarly, you can use leftover turkey breast shredded in the recipe, also!
Broccoli Cheese Casserole: To focus solely on the veggies, you can omit the meat altogether for a vegetarian option. Simply double up on broccoli florets to make a satisfying meat-free version of this low-carb casserole.
Steam Broccoli and Cauliflower: For a more tender broccoli and cauliflower outcome, consider steaming instead of roasting.
Green Onions: If leeks aren't available, green onions provide a milder flavor but still add a satisfying crunch.
Cayenne Pepper: If you enjoy a little extra kick, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can heat things without overwhelming the dish.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store any leftover keto casserole in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It should stay good for up to 4 days.
Freezer: If you're looking to make this dish part of your meal prep, it's freezer-friendly. Divide into portion-sized servings and store in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can last up to 3 months.
Reheating: The best way to reheat your casserole is to thaw it in the fridge overnight if it's coming from the freezer. Then, warm it in a preheated oven at 350F until hot and bubbly.
Top tip
If you're looking to make meal prep easier, roast the cauliflower and broccoli florets a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This pre-roasting ensures that they're ready to go when you're assembling the casserole, saving you valuable time.
FAQ
You can use this low-carb broccoli dish for a complete meal or omit the meat and use it for a side dish-even for Thanksgiving dinner! Broccoli casserole with ground meat is the perfect meal that is well complimented with a side of green salad, green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The possibilities are endless!
Casseroles do contain small amounts of carbs per serving, but in moderation, it should not throw you out of ketosis. Maintaining 40-50g of carbs per day is the ideal amount to maintain ketosis.
The most complementary meat with broccoli is typically chicken, turkey, or beef.
Technically, yes. However, the amount of carbs is negligible, especially due to its high fiber content, which takes away from the total carb count, leaving you with less net carbs.
More Keto Recipes
Looking for other low-carb recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
As mentioned before, this low-carb casserole is a complete meal! However, if you like a side dish, asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts pair well with this!
Recipe
Clean Keto Turkey Broccoli Casserole (Italian Bake)
Equipment
- large skillet
- Cooking Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 TB fresh basil chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 TB avocado oil
- ½ cup leeks chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 3 TB tomato paste
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into florets and roasted
- 1 small head of broccoli cut into florets and roasted
- 1 ½ cup fresh part-skim ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook ground turkey in a large saucepan on medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown, set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375F. Heat oil in a separate saucepan on medium. Add chopped leeks and sauté for 5 min. Add garlic and red pepper flakes for 1 min.
- Add meat, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning and cook stirring for 2 more minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes, reduce heat, and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add roasted cauliflower and broccoli to a large bowl. Pour meat sauce on top and mix together until well combined.
- Pour half of the cauliflower meat sauce mixture into a casserole dish and cover with half of the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and half of the basil.
- Pour the rest of the sauce mix into an even layer, followed by the rest of the cheeses and basil evenly on top.
- Bake at 375 for 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool. Add additional basil for garnish. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
Being a holistic nutrition specialist and a mom, I prioritize clean meals like this healthy casserole that fit into a low-carb, nutrient-dense lifestyle. Whether you're well-versed in keto diet intricacies or just starting your journey with low-carb recipes, this healthy, low-carb turkey casserole is a must-try.
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know! And don't forget to share it with your friends and family! Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive updates on healthy recipes and holistic nutrition tips!
Have a healthy day,
Natalie
Anonymous says
My family loved this!