Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining savory ground beef with fresh zucchini and a rich tomato sauce, it’s topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Step 3: Add the sliced zucchini, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender.
- Step 4: Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Step 7: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms for more vegetables.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute tomato sauce with marinara sauce without added sugar.
- Season with crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or microwave in short bursts to maintain texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and provides a similar texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
PrintGround Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, low-carb meal combining sautéed ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted shredded cheese. Perfect for a comforting dinner that is both flavorful and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium-sized casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Ground Beef, Onion, and Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add Zucchini and Tomato Sauce: Stir in the sliced zucchini, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the cooked mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake Until Cheese is Melted and Bubbly: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm to enjoy the rich flavors and comforting texture.
Notes
- You can use any cheese of your preference, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses for varied flavor.
- For a lower-carb option, replace tomato sauce with a homemade marinara made from fresh tomatoes with no added sugar.
- Adding some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the vegetable component of the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, baked ground beef recipe, low carb dinner, cheesy beef casserole
