Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It combines savory ground beef with tender zucchini and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with melted cheese. Easy to make and satisfying, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal with a healthy twist.
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 (mozzarella or cheddar works well)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 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, sauté the ground beef over medium heat until it begins to brown. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and the beef is fully cooked.
- Step 3: Stir in the sliced zucchini, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly and the flavors combine.
- Step 4: Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving warm.
Tips & Variations
- For added depth, try mixing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This keeps the cheese melty and the flavors fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it uncovered. When ready to bake, add extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
PrintGround Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole featuring tender sautéed ground beef mixed with fresh zucchini and flavorful tomato sauce, topped with melted shredded cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines rich Italian seasoning with simple ingredients to create a nutritious meal perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp 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 with aromatics. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add vegetables and seasonings. Stir in the sliced zucchini, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes until the zucchini softens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Transfer to casserole dish. Pour the beef and zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Top with cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a cheesy crust during baking.
- Bake until bubbly. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Serve warm. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for the best taste.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, you can substitute the tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes with no added sugar.
- Feel free to use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for a richer flavor.
- Adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms can enhance the vegetable content and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, baked ground beef, easy casserole, Italian seasoning casserole, low carb casserole
