Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Hearty, wholesome, and packed with flavor, this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a perfect all-in-one dish for busy weeknights or comforting weekend meals. With tender zucchini, savory ground beef, and melty cheese layered together in a rich tomato base, this casserole brings together everything you love in a home-cooked meal—easy prep, nourishing ingredients, and mouthwatering taste.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low-Carb Friendly – Naturally light on carbs but big on flavor.
One-Dish Wonder – Protein, veggies, and cheese in one convenient casserole.
Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Family Favorite – A great way to get kids to eat their veggies.
Customizable – Add your favorite spices or swap in different vegetables with ease.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup tomato sauce

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
Stir in garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Layer
In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, mozzarella, and Parmesan until well combined.
This layer adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom of the casserole dish.
Spoon half of the beef mixture over the zucchini.
Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly on top.
Repeat with remaining zucchini, then the rest of the beef mixture, and finally the remaining cheese layer.

Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tbsp Parmesan.
This creates a bubbly, golden crust once baked.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
Serve hot with your favorite side like a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted potatoes.

Tips for Best Results
Slice Zucchini Evenly – Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
Salt Zucchini (Optional) – For less moisture, lightly salt zucchini slices and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Drain Meat Well – Reduces excess grease in the final casserole.
Use Full-Fat Cheese – Delivers the best flavor and creamy texture.
Let it Rest – Allow the casserole to cool slightly before cutting so it holds together better.

Serving Suggestions
Crusty Garlic Bread – Soaks up the savory tomato juices perfectly.
Cauliflower Rice – Keeps the dish low-carb and adds a bit of texture.
Mixed Greens Salad – Fresh and simple to balance the rich casserole.
Roasted Veggies – Carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts make a colorful side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat alternative.

2. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work great in this dish.

3. Do I have to use ricotta?
No, you can substitute cottage cheese or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a different twist.

4. Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble it the day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

5. Is this casserole keto-friendly?
It’s naturally low in carbs, especially if you skip the tomato sauce or choose a low-sugar version.

Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a cozy, satisfying dish that delivers big on flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re cutting carbs, feeding a hungry family, or just looking for a new weeknight favorite, this easy casserole hits the mark every time. It’s hearty, flexible, and made from simple pantry staples.

Make it tonight and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal that’s just as delicious as it is nourishing. Don’t forget to share your version and leave a review—I’d love to see how it turns out!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 28g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 620mg

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