Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Imagine a dish that wraps you in a warm hug, yet keeps things light and packed with garden-fresh goodness. This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is exactly that – a cheesy, savory masterpiece that’s surprisingly low-carb and utterly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

This delightful ground beef zucchini casserole truly hits all the right notes for a memorable meal, combining incredible flavor with healthy ingredients.

• Low-Carb & Healthy: Enjoy generous portions without the carb guilt, thanks to fresh zucchini replacing traditional starches.
• Hearty & Flavorful: Savory lean ground beef and a rich, seasoned tomato sauce create a deeply satisfying taste that everyone adores.
• Cheesy Perfection: A generous blanket of melted mozzarella and Parmesan creates an irresistible, bubbly, golden-brown crust.
• Quick & Easy: With only 15 minutes of hands-on prep, this comforting dinner comes together effortlessly, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this cheesy, comforting casserole, making mealtime a breeze.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or a cozy family dinner, it’s a dish designed for connection.
• Packed with Veggies: A delicious and discreet way to get more wholesome green goodness into your diet.

Ingredients Needed for Your Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this mouthwatering ground beef zucchini casserole, ensuring every bite is bursting with fresh flavor and wholesome goodness.

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier, less greasy casserole, ensuring rich meaty flavor.
• 3 medium zucchini, sliced into rounds: Look for firm, vibrant green zucchini without blemishes to ensure the freshest taste.
• 1 onion, diced: A yellow or white onion works best for a sweet, aromatic base that complements the beef and tomato.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the best, most pungent flavor, enhancing the savory profile.
• 1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce: Opt for a good quality, plain tomato sauce to control the overall seasoning and flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary for classic, comforting flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups (170g) mozzarella cheese, shredded: Shred your own for superior melting and a creamy texture, avoiding anti-caking agents.
• 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a sharp, salty depth and a beautiful golden crust.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Season generously throughout the cooking process to layer in the flavors.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cheesy Ground Beef and Cabbage Casserole – A savory, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor, just like this one!

Essential Equipment for This Zucchini Beef Casserole

Having the right tools makes preparing this ground beef zucchini casserole a breeze, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience.

• 9×13 inch baking dish: Essential for a perfectly baked casserole that comfortably serves six people.
• Large skillet: For efficiently browning the ground beef and simmering the savory, aromatic sauce.
• Sharp knife & cutting board: For easily slicing your zucchini into uniform rounds and dicing the onion precisely.
• Cheese grater (optional): For freshly shredding cheese, which melts beautifully and enhances the casserole’s texture.

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Overview

Here’s a quick glance at what to expect when making this comforting ground beef zucchini casserole, ensuring you’re prepared for every step.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Let’s dive into making this comforting ground beef and zucchini casserole, layer by delicious layer, with simple, clear steps.

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Beef Mixture

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
2. Brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, crumble it well with a spoon.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
5. Stir in the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, a generous pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing all the incredible flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Layer the Casserole

1. Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Arrange half of your sliced zucchini rounds in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared dish, forming a solid base.
3. Spoon the hearty ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini layer, spreading it to the edges.
4. Top with the remaining zucchini slices, creating a second, fresh vegetable layer over the beef.

Step 3: Cheese and Bake

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1. Sprinkle heavily and generously with the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring full coverage for that golden, bubbly top.
2. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. The cheese should be gloriously bubbly and golden, and the zucchini tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Pro-Tip: For an extra golden-brown, crispy cheese crust, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent any burning.
4. Rest the casserole for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set beautifully, making for cleaner, more appealing slices.

CHECK OUT: Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef – Another hearty, low-carb casserole featuring ground beef and tender vegetables.

Tips for Success with Your Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Elevate your ground beef zucchini casserole from great to unforgettable with these expert tips, ensuring a perfect dish every time.

• Salt the Zucchini: To prevent a watery casserole, slice your zucchini, lightly salt it, let it sit for 10 minutes, then thoroughly pat it dry with paper towels. This crucial step draws out excess moisture.
• Don’t Overcook Zucchini: Bake until the zucchini is just tender-crisp; overcooked zucchini can become mushy and lose its texture.
• Use Quality Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan melt better and taste significantly superior to pre-shredded, often waxy, options.
• Season in Layers: Taste and adjust seasoning for the beef mixture before layering. This ensures a balanced and flavorful profile throughout the entire dish.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, makes for cleaner slices, and enhances the overall eating experience.

Variations & Substitutions for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

This versatile ground beef and zucchini casserole can easily be adapted to suit various tastes, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

• Add More Veggies: Easily incorporate diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or fresh spinach into the beef mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning will introduce a lovely, subtle kick to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives for a similar cheesy effect, catering to dietary restrictions.
• Different Ground Meat: Ground turkey or ground chicken can be seamlessly substituted for ground beef for a lighter alternative without compromising on flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic and accessible option for those avoiding gluten.

Serving Suggestions for This Zucchini Beef Casserole

This ground beef zucchini casserole is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner.

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the rich casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any delicious juices and ensuring no flavorful drop is left behind (if not strictly low-carb).
• Cauliflower Rice: For an extra low-carb meal, serve a fluffy bed of cauliflower rice alongside, adding volume without the carbs.
• Herbed Quinoa: A light and fluffy grain, such as quinoa tossed with fresh herbs, makes an excellent and wholesome pairing.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a berry-infused mocktail would perfectly complement the savory flavors.

Health Benefits of Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Beyond its incredible taste, this ground beef and zucchini casserole offers impressive nutritional advantages, making it a smart choice for your dinner table.

• Rich in Protein: Lean ground beef provides essential protein for muscle repair, growth, and prolonged satiety.
• Packed with Fiber: Zucchini and tomato sauce contribute valuable dietary fiber, aiding in healthy digestion and gut health.
• Low-Carb: An excellent choice for those managing carbohydrate intake, allowing you to enjoy a hearty meal guilt-free.
• Vitamin & Mineral Rich: Zucchini offers beneficial Vitamins C and K, while beef provides crucial iron and a range of B vitamins.
• Heart-Healthy Fats: Using lean ground beef and healthy dairy in moderation contributes beneficial fats important for overall well-being.

Storage & Reheating Your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Prepare this ground beef zucchini casserole ahead of time or enjoy delicious leftovers with these handy storage and reheating tips.

• Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Oven): For best results, reheat the covered casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating (Microwave): Individual servings can be quickly microwaved on high for 2-3 minutes, or until thoroughly hot, for a speedy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

We know you might have questions, so here are answers to common queries about this ground beef and zucchini casserole, ensuring your cooking success.

Can I prepare this ground beef zucchini casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed, possibly adding 5-10 minutes to the cook time if baking from cold.

How do I avoid soggy zucchini?

The best tip is to salt your sliced zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat it thoroughly dry before layering. This crucial step draws out excess moisture, ensuring tender, not watery, zucchini in your casserole.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to experiment! Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of your favorite Italian cheeses would also work wonderfully in this zucchini beef casserole, adding a unique twist.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can easily create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a pinch of rosemary. About 1/4 teaspoon of each should be a good substitute for 1 teaspoon of store-bought Italian seasoning.

Is this recipe truly low-carb?

Yes, with zucchini as the primary vegetable base and no starchy fillers like pasta or rice, this casserole is a fantastic and satisfying low-carb meal option.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting casserole, you’ll surely enjoy these other delectable recipes from our kitchen, perfect for expanding your meal repertoire.

• Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – Transform your extra zucchini into a healthy, crunchy snack that’s surprisingly addictive.
• Easy Cabbage Casserole – Another effortless, vegetable-packed casserole perfect for busy evenings when you need a hearty meal.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti – A rich, cheesy, and incredibly hearty pasta bake that’s pure comfort food indulgence.

Conclusion

This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a testament to how comforting and satisfying healthy eating can be. Enjoy creating and sharing this wonderful dish with your loved ones! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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