Ground beef zucchini casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that brings together the goodness of ground beef and fresh zucchini, layered with flavorful tomatoes and melted cheese. This versatile meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, making it an ideal option for families looking for a hearty and healthy dish. Its low-carb profile ensures you can enjoy a delicious dinner without the guilt, while the cheesy goodness is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and cheesy goodness, it’s a meal that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
• Low Carb Delight: With minimal carbs, this casserole fits perfectly into low-carb or keto diets without sacrificing taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make this casserole ahead of time and reheat for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize it with different vegetables or spices to suit your family’s preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools at hand can make preparing your ground beef zucchini casserole even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A large skillet
• An 8×8 baking dish
• A cutting board
• A sharp knife
• A colander or sieve

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Skillet: Ideal for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables evenly.
• Baking Dish: The right size ensures proper cooking and melting of cheese without overflowing.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for slicing zucchini and chopping onions quickly and safely.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

• Slice the zucchini into 1/2 rounds. Place them in a sieve or colander over the sink or a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.
• Allow the salted zucchini to sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
• Rinse well under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add diced onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
• Stir in minced garlic and ground beef. Break up with a spoon as it cooks until browned, about 5 minutes.
• Add drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat once combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In an 8×8 baking dish, spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly on the bottom.
• Layer half of the zucchini slices over the meat mixture followed by half of the mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat these layers with the remaining meat mixture, zucchini slices, and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
• Once baked, allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious ground beef zucchini casserole!

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground beef zucchini casserole is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you want a complete meal or something to complement the dish, here are some great serving suggestions.

Family Style

• Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish for a cozy family meal. This allows everyone to help themselves and enjoy the warmth of home cooking.

With a Fresh Salad

• Pair the casserole with a crisp garden salad. A mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds freshness and balances the richness of the casserole.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each serving with chopped parsley or basil. This adds a burst of color and enhances flavor without adding many calories.

With Crusty Bread

• Offer slices of garlic bread or a baguette on the side. This makes it easy to scoop up any leftover sauce from your plate.

As Leftovers

• Enjoy leftovers for lunch! The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.

With a Side of Sautéed Vegetables

• Serve alongside sautéed spinach or green beans. These add extra nutrients and color to your plate.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

To ensure your ground beef zucchini casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose lean beef: Opting for lean ground beef reduces excess fat, making your casserole healthier while still being flavorful.

• Salt zucchini properly: Salting helps remove moisture from zucchini. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery during baking.

• Layer ingredients evenly: For an even cook, make sure to layer the meat, zucchini, and cheese uniformly in the baking dish.

• Use quality cheese: High-quality mozzarella provides better melting properties and enhances the overall flavor of your casserole.

• Let it rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices for additional flavor. Consider crushed red pepper for a kick!

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Complementing your ground beef zucchini casserole with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that pair well:

1. Garlic Bread
   This classic side is perfect for soaking up any sauce left on your plate, adding crunch and flavor.

2. Caesar Salad
   A Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing that contrasts nicely with the warm casserole.

3. Steamed Broccoli
   Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while providing a crunchy texture that pairs well with soft casseroles.

4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These offer a nutty flavor when roasted, making them a great companion to the savory elements of your dish.

5. Coleslaw
   A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the casserole wonderfully.

6. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables can add protein and fiber while enhancing your meal’s nutritional value.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a ground beef zucchini casserole can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Over-salting the zucchini: While salting zucchini helps remove moisture, using too much salt can make your dish overly salty. Use just enough to draw out moisture and rinse well afterward.

• Not draining the tomatoes: If you skip draining the canned tomatoes, your casserole might become too watery. Always drain them before adding to the mixture.

• Under-cooking the beef: Ensure that the ground beef is fully cooked with no pink remaining. This guarantees safety and enhances flavor in your casserole.

• Skipping the resting time: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking lets it set, making it easier to serve. Skipping this step can lead to a messy dish.

• Using low-quality cheese: Opt for good-quality mozzarella cheese for better melting and flavor. Low-quality cheese may not melt well and can affect the overall taste of your casserole.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Ground beef zucchini casserole can last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

• Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
• It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months without losing quality.

Reheating Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make ground beef zucchini casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to one day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking.

What can I substitute for ground beef in this ground beef zucchini casserole?

You can use ground turkey or chicken as lean alternatives for this dish while keeping it healthy.

How do I make this recipe more flavorful?

Consider adding additional herbs like basil or oregano, or even some crushed red pepper for a little heat.

Can I add other vegetables to my ground beef zucchini casserole?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well and enhance both nutrition and flavor.

Is this ground beef zucchini casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s an excellent choice for meal prep since it stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Ground beef zucchini casserole is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or spices according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Ground beef zucchini casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines the hearty flavors of ground beef with fresh zucchini, tangy tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese. This one-pan meal is not only quick to prepare but also perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, making it an ideal choice for families seeking both health and flavor. With its low-carb profile, you can indulge without guilt, ensuring even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. This casserole is versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices for a personal touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 medium zucchinis (sliced)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice zucchinis into rounds, salt them, and let sit for 15 minutes to remove moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until softened; add garlic and ground beef until browned. Stir in drained tomatoes and seasonings.
4. In an 8×8 baking dish, layer half of the beef mixture, zucchini slices, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Use lean ground beef to keep it healthier. Salt the zucchini adequately to prevent excess moisture. Customize with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.