If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm kitchen hug, this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender zucchini slices with savory, well-seasoned ground beef and a gooey, cheesy topping, this casserole delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, ensuring every forkful is as delightful as the last.
- Ground beef (1 lb): The rich, savory base that brings hearty protein and loads of flavor to the dish.
- Zucchini (3 medium, sliced): Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and balances the beef with a light veggie element.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant punch that enhances the overall aroma and taste.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained): Offers a juicy, tangy layer that complements the spices and beef perfectly.
- Tomato sauce (1/2 cup): Helps bind the casserole ingredients together while making it extra saucy and flavorful.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Injects classic Italian herb notes that brighten the casserole.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds a sweet, peppery complexity that blends beautifully with oregano.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle heat to balance the richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Creates that luscious, melty cheesy topping everyone loves.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Sprinkles a sharp, nutty finish that perfectly browns in the oven.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for sautéing and adding a silky richness to the beef and veggies.
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and warm. This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and finish with that golden, bubbling cheese crust.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the ground beef. As it cooks, break it apart with a wooden spoon to create small crumbles. Let the beef brown for about 6 to 8 minutes, releasing all those savory juices. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
To the browned beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and the garlic to become fragrant. This step builds a wonderful flavor base for the casserole.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Finally, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Let this delicious mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes so that all the flavors marry beautifully, creating a rich, aromatic sauce.
Step 5: Layer the Zucchini
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Lay half of your beautiful zucchini slices evenly across the bottom. This layer acts as a tender, fresh bed that supports the savory beef.
Step 6: Add the Beef Mixture
Spread half of the beef and tomato sauce mixture over the zucchini layer. Then repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini slices and beef mixture. This alternating pattern ensures that every spoonful is balanced and flavorful.
Step 7: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the last beef layer, then follow with grated Parmesan cheese for that extra dimension of sharp, salty flavor that browns up beautifully.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Cover your casserole loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to turn golden brown and bubbly — the hallmark of a truly irresistible casserole.
How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves brightens the look and adds a fresh herbal note. For a little extra texture and color, finely chopped green onions or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables or steamed rice also complement the rich flavors perfectly, rounding out a satisfying, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins or bake this casserole in mini dishes for a charming, personalized touch at dinner parties. Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving introduces a subtle tangy sweetness that elevates the whole dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often mellow beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier next-day winner.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe dish or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months, perfect for prepping meals ahead of time.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through and the cheese bubbles again. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this casserole, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning or a splash of olive oil for extra moisture.
Do I have to peel the zucchinis?
No need at all. Leaving the skin on provides a lovely texture and extra nutrients while keeping the zucchini slices intact during baking.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free tomato sauce and seasonings, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake as directed. This makes it super convenient for busy days.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or include diced jalapeños with the onions for a bit of heat that balances nicely with the cheese and zucchini.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that offers a delightful mix of comfort and freshness in one dish. Whether you’re feeding family or enjoying a cozy solo meal, it’s a fuss-free recipe that feels lovingly homemade every single time. I can’t wait for you to try it and let it become one of your go-to favorites too!
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and flavorful baked dish that combines tender slices of zucchini with savory ground beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this casserole blends Italian herbs and fresh ingredients for a satisfying low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook 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 for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the skillet with beef, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors blend well.
- Layer Zucchini: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange half of the sliced zucchinis evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Add Beef Mixture: Spread half of the prepared beef and tomato mixture over the zucchini layer. Repeat layering with the remaining zucchini slices and beef mixture.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef helps reduce greasiness and makes the casserole lighter.
- Letting the beef and tomato mixture simmer enhances the depth of flavor.
- You can substitute mozzarella with a low-fat version to reduce calories.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
