Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and flavorful baked dish combining savory browned ground beef with tender zucchini slices, seasoned with herbs, tomatoes, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it balances fresh vegetables and protein in a cheesy casserole that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Base and Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly for about 6-8 minutes, then drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the casserole from being greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the flavor base of the casserole.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Prepare Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Layer Zucchini and Beef Mixture: Arrange half of the sliced zucchini at the bottom of the casserole dish in an even layer. Spread half of the beef and tomato mixture over the zucchini. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini slices followed by the rest of the beef mixture.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful crust.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to cook through and the flavors to combine.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling the casserole is ready to serve.
Notes
- Draining excess fat from the ground beef helps reduce greasiness in the casserole.
- If zucchinis are very watery, consider salting the slices beforehand and letting them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat dry.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat cheese option to reduce calories.
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
