Description
Cheesy Beef Zucchini Casserole brings comfort straight from Grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that disappears quickly from hungry plates.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is centered for even cooking.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes until they release their aromatic essence.
- Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until completely browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Introduce 1 can of drained diced tomatoes to the beef, along with 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and create the first layer using half of your sliced zucchinis, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
- Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture directly over the zucchini layer, creating a hearty base.
- Sprinkle ½ cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over the beef, ensuring even coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining zucchini, beef mixture, and top with another ½ cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Cover the casserole loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts bubbling around the edges.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the layers to set and flavors to settle.
Notes
- Zucchini releases water while cooking, so pat slices dry with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole.
- Consider using a mandoline slicer for uniform zucchini slices that cook evenly and look professional.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein swap if preferring a lighter meat option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg