This Paleo casserole is made of layers of fresh veggies, bright herbs and turkey to make it protein packed and healthy! It’s easy to make, and the whole family will love it!
It’s FRIDAY!
And I made you ugly food.
Clearly, I don’t beat around the bush. I believe in just coming out and SAYIN’ IT.
Casseroles? My friends, there is no such thing as a pretty slop of veggies, meat, who knows what else (don’t worry, there are no weirdo unmentionables in this GUD 4 U pile of ugly-osity) on a plate.
Which is why I may or may not have had a panic attack shooting it. And I also may or may not suggest that, if you’re a food blogger, don’t plan to shoot a casserole on your weekend.
It might result in lots of wine.
So maybe you should shoot them on the weekend?
Anyway.
Today’s post is a wee bit different from the normal insanity and cray crays that normally grace your peepers on this little space of the interwebz called FFF. Aside from the above paragraphs, of course.
Today, a whole bunch of us bloggers are getting together to help raise money for The Wagner Family.
Who are they, you ask? Well, Ashley Wagner is the sweet chica behind the blog “Center Cut Cook.” Although, I haven’t had a TON of connection with Ashley, her story really struck my heart and I knew I wanted to participate in this fundraiser.
Here’s a bit of a run-down of said story: Ashley and Ryan (her husband) found out they were expecting their first baby….one week before they found out that Ryan (who was super healthy) had stage 4 colon cancer that had spread to his lungs and lymph nodes in his abdomen.
Then Miles, their baby, was born. He was healthy…for 8 short weeks.
Ashley noticed him doing something odd, like a seizure, and immediately took him in. After many tests, it was determined that he, at 2 months old, was in kidney failure. He has a rare disease called “Primary Hyperoxaluria” and will need a kidney and liver transplant to save his little life.
I am not a parent, nor do I have any maternal instincts yet, but this totally breaks. My. Heart.
Their days are so busy dealing with all this illness, constant care, medications and all the other stuff that goes with being dealt such a rough hand.
Which is why we are all gathering together to make recipes that you would bring to people in this situation, to fill up their freezer.
This casserole is EZ PZ to make and is loaded with FRESH veggies, protein-packed ground turkey and full of how-is-it-still-delicious-without-cheese-because-don’t-casseroles-need-be-99%-cheese-to-be-good?
My peeps, we’re changing the sloppy ugly food GAYMEEEE around here today.
And it’s all for a good cause
Which means you can’t judge the brown-ness hiding under all that strategically placed green-tarragon-prettiness youhearme? 😉
Please check out all the other recipes to help raise awareness for the Wagner family, and it would be so great if you could help us out with our fundraiser. Really, anything helps!
Paleo Casserole with Turkey, Peppers, Zucchini and Tomato
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Olive oil divided
- 1 Lb 93% Lean Ground turkey
- 1/2 Cup Onion diced (about half a small onion)
- 1/4 Cup + 2 Tbsp Tomato paste
- Pepper
- 1 Large zucchini sliced 1/4 thick
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cumin powder
- 1/8 tsp Cardamom powder
- 1/8 tsp Oregano flakes
- 1/4 tsp Chili powder
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Tarragon minced + additional for garnish
- 1 Large tomato thinly sliced
- 1 Cup Orange bell pepper diced (about 1 large pepper)
For the sauce:
- 1 1/2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Almond meal
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Coconut flour
- 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond milk
- Salt/pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and brush an8x8 inch panwith olive oil. Set aside
- In a large pan, heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add in the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, and the outside is nice and browned. Stir in the diced onion, tomato paste and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Place the sliced zucchini into a large bowl and toss with remaining tsp of olive oil and garlic. In a separate, small bowl, mix together the salt, cumin, cardamom, oregano and chili powder. Add into the zucchini and toss, making sure the spices are evenly coated.
- Spread the zucchini onto the bottom of the prepared pan (it's ok if you have overlap on a few pieces) and sprinkle the fresh tarragon over top.
- Spoon the turkey mixture on top of the zucchini and press down, so that the turkey is nice and packed. Lay the sliced tomato on top of the turkey in an even layer. Finish by sprinkling the diced bell pepper over top of the tomato evenly.
- Cover the casserole and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the casserole bakes, make the sauce by heating the olive oil in a large pan over medium/high heat.
- Add in the almond meal and coconut flour and cook until the flours begin to absorb into the oil and turn a dark brown, about 1 minute. Think dark peanut butter here.
- Pour in the almond milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium so that the sauce stays at a steady low boil. Stir often to ensure it does not burn.
- Cook until the sauce begins to thicken, about 10-11 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once the casserole bakes, pour the sauce over-top evenly and bake, uncovered, for another 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes and then slice, garnish with additional tarragon and DEVOUR.
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAG @FOODFAITHFIT AND #FOODFAITHFITNESS ON INSTRAGRAM! I LOVE SEEING YOUR RECIPE RECREATIONS! 
Follow their story on Facebook or donate below! Thank you so much!
Here are all the other recipes for a good cause, be sure to check them out!
Sugar Dish Me made this Easy Chicken Broccoli Bake
That Skinny Chick Can Bake made Mexican Chicken Manicotti
Spend with Pennies made Chicken Noodle Casserole (from Scratch)
Wishes & Dishes made this Creamy Chicken Tetrazzini
Frugal Foodie Mama made Pizza Pierogi Casserole
Snappy Gourmet made Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
Miss in the Kitchen made a Chicken and Mushroom Tortellini Bake
Life, Love, and Good Food made this Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Bless This Mess made Quick and Easy Summer Chicken Salad
Mandy’s Recipe Box collected 30 Freezer Meals
Hugs and Cookies made Baked Parmesan Meatball Casserole
Barbara Bakes made this Veal & Wild Mushroom Stew
A Cedar Spoon made Sausage, Roasted Red Pepper, & Gouda Macaroni & Cheese
It’s Yummi made an Easy Cheese & Sausage Pizza Bake
A Family Feast made these Easy Freezer Meatballs
Stuck on Sweet made Homemade Goulash
Two Healthy Kitchens made a 5-Ingredient Easy Pasta Bake
It Bakes Me Happy made a Peach Skillet Galette
STAY IN DA KNOW WITH THINGS GOING ON AT FFF (AND GET SPECIAL BEHIND-THE-SCENES INFO) BY FOLLOWING ALONG ON PINTEREST, FACEBOOK AND TWITTER!
This post may contain affiliate links, but I only recommend products that I actually use and <3. Thanks for supporting FFF!
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Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Despite the fact that casseroles aren’t the prettiest of foods, you did a darn good job shooting it. 🙂 Seriously, I want all of that goodness on my plate. The story of the Wagner family is heartbreaking. I will be sure to look at the donation website and will be thinking of them and sending positivity their way.
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks for the positive thoughts Erin – means a lot! And double thanks for not hating on the casserole uglyness – you da bestest! Have a great weekend!
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
What a great cause to bring awareness to. I’ve been following their story too, and it just breaks my heart. I’m loving this casserole and have been looking for healthy freezer meals to make ahead of time for when the babe comes…looks like I just found a gold mine of recipes!
Taylor Kiser says
You sure did! And p.s belated congrats on babe! SO EXCITING! Thanks friend 🙂
Erin @ The Almond Eater says
Casseroles are kinda ugly I suppose. But they’re SO GOOD and so easy and I love them. Not to photograph, just to eat.
Taylor Kiser says
Exactly! Sometimes the best food is the ugliest. Sorry camera. Thanks Erin!
Yankee Kitchen Ninja (Julianne) says
Oh, Taylor, I don’t think it’s ugly at all! Especially in the pan — gorgeous colors, looks so delicious! And I’m all about healthy, simple meals. Yay!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Julianne, you’re the sweetest!
Becca from ItsYummi.com says
Welllll, my girlyfriend. Apparently you didn’t get the memo that it’s “make and shoot ugly but delicious food week”. For reals. Because once you see my pan of uuuugh-a-mess, you’ll completely understand that you’re in good company, AND that your “mess” is actually quite gorgeous. I mean, the color! The healthy goodness… *thump thump*
Taylor Kiser says
Haha, you are just too sweet! I am sure yours is full of beauty and yumminess too friend! Thank you xoxo
Liz says
This is no ordinary casserole! So healthy and scrumptious. Perfect comfort food—so glad to join you to help the Wagners.
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Liz!
Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files says
Another reason I love our blogging community! So awesome for everyone to rally together to help Ashley out!
Taylor Kiser says
Right! The best!
Lisa Huff @ Snappy Gourmet says
I really need to get more zucchini in my family meals! I don’t cook with if often and think I could actually get my family to try this. Can’t wait to try!! Great working on this project with you! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
I LOVE zucchini, it’s so versatile! Great working with you too – I hope your family loves this!
Mike@TheIronYou says
Loving this casserole Taylor and it totally looks delicious, seriously, what are you talking about!
PS Thanks for letting me know about the Wagners, I’m definitely going to help!
Taylor Kiser says
Haha well thank you for lying to me 😉
You’re welcome, Thank YOU for helping Mike!
Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats says
I LOVE that you are doing this to help the Wagners out. It just breaks my heart to think of what they are going through. I can’t even fathom it. You’re a good egg Taylor 🙂 Annnndddd welcome to the world of brown food. You made this casserole look DELICIOUS!
Taylor Kiser says
RIGHT! I can’t even begin to imagine either. And thank you so much friend! Brown food though? NOT MY FRIEND.
Julia says
So comforting Taylor! I love the chicken and zucchini together in the casserole.
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks friend!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
Your food is SO not ugly (I love that you called it that, though). To me nothing you make can look ugly cuz I know it’s gotta taste phenomenal if it’s coming out of your kitchen Love it!
Taylor Kiser says
Aww you are the sweetest!! Thank you friend! I hope you have a great weekend!
Layla @Gimme Delicious says
Is it weird that I’m drooling over this casserole now?! It looks delicious and will make a great addition to my paleo diet weeks.
Taylor Kiser says
Totally not weird! I am glad you think it looks drool-worthy 🙂 Thanks Layla!
Jessica @ Stuck On Sweet says
Love this dish Taylor and actually thinks it’s a beautiful dish! 🙂 This is definitely going to be a weeknight healthy meal for us!
Taylor Kiser says
Well thank you so much friend! I hope that you love this!
Amber @ The Bewitched Baker says
Oh my goodness, my heart absolutely goes out to that family. Thank you for posting a bit of comfort food along with that story. I hope everything works out….
Taylor Kiser says
Isn’t it just the worst!? Thank you so much for reading Amber!
Melissa | Bits of Umami says
Literally laughing out loud over here at you calling this ugly. Totally not. Looks delicious and can’t wait to try it. Love that you’re doing this to help out the Wagner’s. I’m so sad to hear this story.
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks so much Melissa! Glad you don’t hate on the brown casserole-ness 🙂
GiGi Eats says
While I obviously want to make this tomorrow, this would also be AMAZING as a post-Thanksgiving meal! To use up all the turkey!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks Gigi!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
You have such a golden heart T.
As for the pictures- They look amazing. Try photographing ground beef lololol.
Taylor Kiser says
Haha, ground beef is not fun 😉
Thanks Arman!
Liz says
Thank you Taylor for the nice recipes and have a great Sunday and a wonderful week!
Taylor Kiser says
Thanks Liz! You too!
Gretchen @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
You crack me up!! Casseroles are tough to photograph – no doubt!! (I still love your photos, btw!)
I don’t know about you … but I think about the Wagner family every day. I pray for them and just hope everything is going well for them. I’ve not met Ashley, but she surely seems like the most positive person out there! I’d love to meet her someday, and just give her a huge hug!!
So happy to work together on such an amazing project!! Hugs to you too! 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
Thank you Gretchen!
Kristen @ The Endless Meal says
It broke my heart reading your story about Ashley and her family. I can’t even begin to imagine. I live in a country where medical care is free and can’t even begin to imagine having to struggle financially when you’re struggling with your health. It’s so sad! I’m sending lots of positive thoughts to Ashley, her husband and their little one.
You’re casserole looks delicious! I think you did a great job of turning a pile of brown food into something that looks totally good. 🙂
Taylor Kiser says
It’s awful eh! I’m originally from Canada, where medical is free, so the cost still blows my mind!
And thank you so much!
margaret says
Hi, I was wondering if we can freeze this? if yes, should I freeze it after I pour the sauce over it or should cook it completely and then freeze it? You might have given these freezing tips in you description or comments but I really have no time right now to read through it;(
Taylor Kiser says
To be honest, I have not frozen it myself so I really can’t tell you 100% for sure either way! I’m sorry!
My gut tells me it would be best to cook it first but again, I can’t tell you for sure! Please let me know if you try it Margaret!
Donna says
My husband and I both thought this was a great recipe and loved the flavors. Thanks for sharing!
Taylor Kiser says
SO happy you both loved it! Thanks for letting me know!
Effy says
How can I make the sauce without nuts? I’m allergic. Substitute coconut milk? Use more coconut flour instead of almond flour?
Taylor Kiser says
Unfortunately, recipes are only tested as written so I really would have no way of knowing – I am sorry and hope you understand! If you try that, let me know how it goes!