This Keto Italian Ground Turkey Broccoli Casserole is a low-carb, cheesy casserole 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 Keto Chicken Enchilada Casserole, Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, and Keto 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.
⚡ Quick Look: Keto Italian Turkey Broccoli Casserole
- Flavor Profile: Rich Italian flavors with ground turkey, roasted broccoli & cauliflower, tomato sauce, and a blend of three cheeses for a hearty, low-carb bake.
- Method: Roast broccoli and cauliflower, brown ground turkey, combine with tomato sauce, layer in a casserole dish with ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and bake until golden.
- Prep Time & Yield: Prep ~25 minutes, cook ~35 minutes (serves 6)
- Main Ingredients: Ground turkey, broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, ricotta, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil
- Best Time to Enjoy: Easy weeknight dinner, family meal, or keto-friendly comfort food night
- Main Benefits: Low in carbs (around 15 g net carbs per serving), high in protein (about 41 g protein), rich in veggies, and delivers the feel of baked ziti or lasagna without the pasta
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💛 Why You'll Love It
- Satisfying Italian comfort flavors made keto-friendly and family-approved
- Uses wholesome, clean-eating ingredients - no empty carbs or fillers
- An easy, one-dish bake that simplifies dinner without compromising taste
- Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and melty cheese - perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in
- Great for anyone following low-carb or high-protein lifestyles who still loves bold flavors
Ingredients
Leeks: Organic leeks offer a mild, onion-like flavor and are rich in antioxidants.
Garlic Cloves: Organic garlic is known for its health benefits, like immune support.
Ricotta Cheese: Fresh, part-skim organic ricotta is best.
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. Same with parmesan!
See the recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
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.
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.
How to Make Keto Italian Ground Turkey Broccoli Casserole
Prep: Cut the broccoli and cauliflower into florets, and toss with avocado oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Roast them on a baking sheet at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground turkey. Stir occasionally until it turns golden brown. Once cooked, set it aside.
Step 2: Preheat your oven to 375°F. 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.
Step 3: Add the cooked ground turkey to the pan. Mix in the tomato paste and Italian seasoning, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the roasted cauliflower and broccoli withthe meat sauce.
Step 6: In a casserole dish, layer half of the cauliflower and meat mixture. Top this with half portions of ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and basil.
Step 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.
Step 8: Bake for 25 minutes, 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!
Expert 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 time.
Keto Italian Ground Turkey Broccoli Casserole FAQ's
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 complemented 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, they 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 fewer net carbs.
More Keto Casseroles
Looking for other low-carb recipes like this? Try these:
👀Do you love our Keto Italian Ground Turkey Broccoli Casserole? Give it a 🌟 review and let us know how it went in the comments below! Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest healthy recipes in your inbox! If you love low-carb Italian dinners, try our irresistible Keto Italian Stuffed Peppers! For a keto breakfast idea, try our Keto Egg Bites!
Recipe
Keto Italian Ground Turkey Broccoli Casserole
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- large skillet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- 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!
Anonymous says
My family loved this!