Easy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe That Wins Hearts

Ground beef and zucchini casserole offers a hearty, nutritious meal that combines robust flavors with surprising lightness.

This comforting dish revamps simple ingredients into a culinary experience that delights both home cooks and hungry families.

Layers of tender zucchini mingle perfectly with savory ground beef, creating a balanced texture that surprises the palate.

Rich protein meets garden-fresh vegetables in a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously rustic and elegant.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this satisfying, with minimal preparation and maximum flavor packed into every bite.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through wholesome ingredients and carefully crafted seasoning.

Home cooks seeking a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal will find this casserole hits all the right notes.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole You’ll Make on Repeat

• Savor Quick Comfort: This casserole delivers hearty satisfaction in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something filling and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Maximize Veggie Nutrition: Zucchini adds incredible moisture and nutrients to the dish, cleverly disguising vegetables for picky eaters while creating a lighter alternative to traditional heavy meat casseroles.
• Master Simple Layering Technique: The recipe teaches an easy method of creating restaurant-worthy meals by strategically layering ingredients, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and develop rich, complex tastes without complicated cooking skills.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like different cheese types, seasonings, or protein options make this dish adaptable to personal preferences and pantry availability, ensuring you can always whip up a satisfying meal.

Ingredients for a Flavorful Beef and Zucchini Casserole

• Ground Beef: Lean meat for a hearty base, choose 85% or 90% lean for balanced flavor and less grease.
• Cottage Cheese or Ricotta: Creamy protein that adds richness and helps bind the casserole.

• Zucchini, Onion, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that provide texture, depth of flavor, and nutritional boost, select firm and vibrant produce.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that add sharp and melty layers, use freshly grated for best melting quality.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Spices that enhance overall taste profile, use fresh herbs when possible.
• Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provides tangy sauce base and rich tomato flavor.
• Broth or Water: Helps create moisture in the casserole.

• Avocado Oil: Neutral cooking oil for sautéing vegetables.
• Fresh Basil: Bright herb for garnish and fresh finish.

How to Assemble Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

• Slice zucchini into thin rounds
• Sprinkle with salt in a colander
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes to release excess moisture

Step 3: Ready the Baking Dish

Coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat
• Add chopped onions
• Cook until softened and lightly golden (5-7 minutes)
• Stir in minced garlic
• Cook for an additional minute until fragrant

Step 5: Brown the Ground Beef

• Add ground beef to the skillet
• Break into small crumbles while cooking
• Season with
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Cook until no pink remains

Step 6: Create the Sauce

• Stir in crushed tomatoes
• Add cottage cheese
• Mix in grated parmesan
• Pour in tomato paste
• Add beef broth or water
• Blend all ingredients thoroughly

Step 7: Dry the Zucchini

Pat zucchini slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 8: Layer the Casserole

• Place half the zucchini slices at the bottom of the dish
• Spread half the beef mixture evenly
• Repeat with remaining zucchini and beef layers

Step 9: Add the Cheese Topping

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the final layer.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Step 11: Final Touch

Look for bubbling edges and melted golden cheese as your doneness signal.

Step 12: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top just before serving.

Tip: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.

Tips to Make Your Casserole Juicy and Savory

• Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture by salting zucchini slices and patting them dry to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a perfect texture.
• Choose Lean Ground Beef: Select 85% or 90% lean beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, more flavorful dish.
• Enhance Seasoning Depth: Mix dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme into the ground beef for an extra layer of robust flavor.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or provolone to add unique richness and complexity.
• Make Ahead and Freeze: Prepare the casserole in advance, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months for a convenient meal option anytime.

How to Save and Reheat Beef and Zucchini Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.

What Pairs Well with This Hearty Casserole

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich, meaty flavors of the casserole with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that matches the dish's hearty profile and cuts through the cheesy texture.
• Serve with Crisp Garden Salad: Balance the casserole's warmth with a light, refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with warm, buttery garlic bread that helps soak up the savory tomato sauce and provides a delightful textural crunch alongside the soft casserole.
• Finish with Chilled Lemon Sorbet: Cleanse the palate after the rich dish with a zesty, cool lemon sorbet that offers a light, refreshing end to the hearty meal and helps digest the robust flavors.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Variations

• Spicy Mexican Fiesta: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add jalapeños, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Magic: Replace ground beef with ground lamb, incorporate spinach, use feta cheese, and sprinkle dried oregano for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Adventure: Substitute zucchini with cauliflower florets, add more green peppers, and use extra sharp cheddar cheese for a protein-packed alternative.
• Garden Vegetable Fusion: Mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and replace half the beef with plant-based ground meat for a more veggie-loaded casserole.

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and zucchini casserole brings comfort to dinner tables with its savory layers of meat, vegetables, and melted cheese. Satisfying flavors blend seamlessly, creating a wholesome meal that nourishes and delights you from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb ground beef (90% lean)
• ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 lbs zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
• 14 ounces (396 grams) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup broth or water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for your culinary creation.
2. Slice zucchini into delicate rounds and sprinkle with salt in a colander, allowing moisture to release naturally.
3. Coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray, creating a non-stick canvas for the layered masterpiece.
4. In a robust skillet, warm avocado oil over medium heat, preparing a flavorful foundation.
5. Introduce chopped onions to the pan, coaxing them to a soft, golden complexion through gentle sautéing.
6. Incorporate minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence for a brief moment.
7. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, browning thoroughly while infusing with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
8. Merge the cooked beef with crushed tomatoes, cottage cheese, parmesan, tomato paste, and broth, creating a harmonious sauce.
9. Tenderly pat zucchini slices dry, removing excess moisture with paper towels.
10. Construct the first layer by arranging zucchini rounds across the bottom of the prepared dish.
11. Cascade half of the robust beef mixture over the zucchini foundation.
12. Replicate the layering process, spreading remaining zucchini and beef mixture to create a delectable stratification.
13. Crown the casserole with a generous blanket of shredded Mozzarella cheese.
14. Transfer to the preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes for the cheese to transform into a molten, bubbling landscape.
15. Punctuate the dish with freshly torn basil leaves just before serving, adding a final flourish of herbaceous brightness.

Notes

• Salting zucchini helps remove excess water, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Sautéing onions and garlic before adding ground beef develops deeper, richer flavor profiles in the dish.
• Pat zucchini slices completely dry to avoid soggy layers and maintain a robust, hearty consistency.
• Use full-fat cottage cheese or ricotta for creamier, more indulgent results that bind ingredients together.
• Layer ingredients carefully to distribute flavors evenly and create a visually appealing casserole.
• Fresh basil added after baking provides a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 352
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg