Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that harnesses both the heartiness of beef and the subtle sweetness of zucchini, you need to try this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. With its irresistible layers of savory beef, tender zucchini, tangy tomatoes, and a glorious blanket of molten mozzarella, this dish satisfies every craving for a comforting bake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it’s a casserole that feels familiar yet refreshingly light—your new go-to anytime you want both a veggie boost and some serious comfort food!

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole couldn’t be easier. Each item plays a starring role, contributing to the dish’s flavor, moisture balance, and melty cheese happiness. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

  • Zucchini: Opt for medium-sized squash; they soften beautifully, soak up seasoning, and add pops of green to every bite.
  • Olive oil: Just a tablespoon for sautéing sets the foundation with subtle richness and helps brown the onions.
  • Onion: Provides a mellow sweetness that builds the savory base of the casserole.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced cloves offer lovely warmth and depth—don’t skip them for full flavor!
  • Lean ground beef: Choose lean beef for robust taste without excess grease; this is the protein hero of the recipe.
  • Italian seasoning: Brings harmony and those classic, herby notes that marry so well with both beef and veggies.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and is perfect for drawing out moisture from the zucchini.
  • Black pepper: Adds just enough kick for balance and a warming touch.
  • Canned diced tomatoes (drained): These bring brightness and tang, keeping the casserole from feeling too heavy or dry.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that gooey top layer everyone can’t help but love!

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Start by slicing your zucchini into half-inch rounds—they’ll be the “pasta” of our casserole! Sprinkle them with kosher salt in a colander over the sink or a bowl. This draws out excess water (so your casserole won’t be soggy) while seasoning the zucchini from the inside out. Give them a good toss to coat, then let them rest for 15 minutes to do their thing.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry

After the zucchini has rested, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to wash away the extra salt and any drawn-out moisture. Patting the rounds dry with paper towels is key here—a little diligence ensures your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole comes out with just the right texture, not a watery mess.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, warm up the olive oil. Add diced onion and let it sizzle until it’s turning soft and translucent, about two minutes. Toss in the garlic, letting it cook just long enough for your kitchen to smell divine—no more than a minute!

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Now add your ground beef right into the skillet. Break it up with your spoon, stirring frequently. Take care to cook until it’s nicely browned, with no traces of pink—usually about five minutes does the trick. This is where those signature beefy flavors start to come together.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Stir in your drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a dash of both salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes. Then, take the skillet off the heat—your savory filling is ready to layer up and shine.

Step 6: Assemble the Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grab an 8×8-inch baking dish. Start by spreading half of your meat mixture on the bottom. Top with half your zucchini rounds, then sprinkle a generous layer of mozzarella cheese. Repeat: more beef mixture, zucchini, then a final cloud of cheese. That’s your casserole build!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re watching for the mozzarella to get bubbly and softly golden at the edges—when you see that, it’s pure comfort in a pan. Once baked, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This wait helps everything set and makes slicing a breeze.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Give your casserole a fresh finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. If you want extra flair, a few shreds of parmesan or red pepper flakes can elevate things in both flavor and appearance—just the kind of small touch that feels special without much extra effort.

Side Dishes

This hearty Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is practically a meal on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread makes it even more comforting. Roasted or steamed vegetables are great partners if you want more color and veggies on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a dinner party twist, or top each serving with a dollop of ricotta for some extra creaminess. This casserole also makes a stunning filling for hollowed-out bell peppers—just spoon it in, top with cheese, and bake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more irresistible.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze this casserole either whole or in individual portions. Use a freezer-safe dish or wrap portions well with plastic and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your portion in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For a quicker fix, microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and cover loosely to keep the cheese moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I substitute turkey for the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative, and it pairs beautifully with the other casserole ingredients. Just keep an eye on the seasoning, as turkey can be a bit milder than beef—sometimes an extra pinch of herbs or spices helps boost flavor.

How do I prevent my casserole from getting watery?

The key is to salt and drain your zucchini well, and to pat the rounds dry before assembling. Zucchini holds a lot of moisture, so don’t skip these steps! Draining the canned tomatoes thoroughly also helps keep the casserole’s consistency just right.

What other cheeses can I try?

If you love experimenting, swap mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses. Each brings a unique flavor and melt, so you can really tailor your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole to your preferences.

Can I assemble it in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step and refrigerate it, tightly covered, for up to a day ahead. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. Then bake as usual for a quick, fresh meal.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your seasoning blends and canned tomatoes to ensure there are no added gluten-containing ingredients.

Final Thoughts

Few comfort meals are as satisfying, simple, and crowd-pleasing as Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. It’s the kind of wholesome bake that feels like a warm hug at the table—flavorful, cheesy, and loaded with tender veggies. Give it a try and watch it earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation!

Print

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender zucchini with flavorful ground beef and gooey mozzarella cheese. A perfect meal for a cozy night in!

  • Author: nova
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini:

  • 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds)

Ground Beef Mixture:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare Zucchini: Slice zucchini into ½” rounds, salt them, and let sit to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
  2. Sauté Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook onions, garlic, and ground beef until browned. Add tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Layer Casserole: In a baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture, zucchini slices, and mozzarella. Repeat layering.
  4. Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, Casserole Recipes, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Zucchini Recipes

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