Description

This Cheesy Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole is a delicious and comforting baked dish featuring layers of tender zucchini slices, savory ground beef in tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole combines Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese for an extra depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
2 medium zucchini (sliced)
1 small onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup tomato sauce
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the diced onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned throughout, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Simmer with Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
Layer Ingredients in Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and arrange half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini slices, beef mixture, and cheeses. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer to add a savory, crispy crust once baked.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

For a lower-fat option, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey.
To make it gluten-free, ensure your tomato sauce and seasonings do not contain any gluten additives.
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
To avoid sogginess, slice zucchini thinly and use fresh, firm zucchinis.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: zucchini casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, baked zucchini, easy dinner recipe