Description
A quick, easy, and healthy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole combining lean ground beef, tender zucchini slices, and savory tomato sauce topped with melted shredded cheese. This flavorful baked casserole is perfect for a nutritious family dinner, packed with protein and vegetables, ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry Items
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (such as mozzarella and cheddar blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. Set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add Tomato Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to develop flavors.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish. Spread a layer of the beef mixture in the dish, add a layer of zucchini slices on top. Repeat layers, finishing with a generous layer of shredded cheese.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Don’t over-slice the zucchini; keep slices about ¼ inch thick to avoid sogginess.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep casserole light and not oily.
- Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set for easier serving.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright finish if available.
- A blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese works best for melt and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, healthy dinner, baked casserole, family meal, low carb, gluten free
