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Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
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This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. It combines lean ground beef with fresh zucchini, layered with melted cheese and savory Italian herbs to create a nutritious and comforting dish. Quick to prepare and bake, this casserole offers a healthy twist with vegetables and a gooey cheese blend that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (85% lean or higher)
  • 2 medium fresh zucchinis, washed and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. These fresh ingredients will provide texture and flavor throughout the dish.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains and beef is browned, about 6–8 minutes. Remove excess grease if needed.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Push beef to one side of the skillet and add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, enhancing the casserole’s base flavor.
  4. Combine Beef with Tomatoes: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors into a juicy, robust filling.
  5. Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a casserole dish. Arrange half of the zucchini slices evenly. Spread half of the beef and tomato mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle a layer of cheese. Repeat with remaining zucchini and beef mixture, topping with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake Until Golden: Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and zucchini is tender but holds its shape.
  7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm zucchini to prevent excess wateriness and maintain texture.
  • Salt sliced zucchini and let it sit before assembling to drain excess moisture.
  • Slice zucchini evenly for uniform cooking and presentation.
  • Brown the beef well for additional flavor through caramelization.
  • Choose a blend of good melting cheeses for a creamy, gooey top layer.
  • Rest casserole after baking for better texture and cleaner slicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy dinner, easy weeknight meal, gluten free casserole, cheesy beef bake

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/ground-beef-and-zucchini-casserole/