Savor the comforting flavors of Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole, a hearty and nutritious dish made with seasoned ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a blend of savory spices.
Dive into the comforting embrace of a Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole! Here the heartiness of lean ground beef meets the freshness of zucchini, all smothered in layers of gooey mozzarella cheese and a rich marinara sauce.
This dish combines simple ingredients to create a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for those busy weeknight dinners or a cozy meal that the whole family will love, this casserole brings a touch of homemade goodness to your table with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re a zucchini lover looking for new recipes or seeking delicious ways to enjoy ground beef, this casserole won’t disappoint. The Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is more than just dinner—it’s a comforting, delicious way to end the day.
With its easy recipe and familiar ingredients, it’s sure to become a regular rotation in your meal planning. So, why wait?
Grab your skillet, preheat your oven, and let’s make a casserole that promises to be a new favorite for your entire family. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a night when you’re craving something hearty and fulfilling, this casserole has got you covered.
Common Questions About Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Can Ground Turkey Be Used Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for those looking for a leaner option, blending perfectly with the other flavors in this easy casserole.
Is This Recipe Low Carb?
Absolutely! With lots of zucchini taking the place of traditional pasta or rice, this dish fits beautifully into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s really amazing how much there is to eat that’s low-carb. You just have to start looking!
How Can I Make My Casserole Creamier?
For a creamier texture, mix in some sour cream or cream cheese with the ground beef mixture. It adds a rich, velvety layer that’s pure keto comfort food.
Storage
This recipe is a perfect example of how healthy recipes can also be super tasty recipes. The perfect way to enjoy a dinner!
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezer
For longer storage, place portions in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight and reheat for a quick and easy meal.
Tips
I love easy dinner recipes like this one. I know my family is getting good nutrition and flavor all at the same time!
- Pre-cook your ground meat: Whether you’re using ground beef or ground turkey, browning it in a hot skillet ensures rich flavor.
- Drain your zucchini: After shredding, give the zucchini a squeeze in a paper towel to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy casserole.
- Layer like a pro: Start with a meat sauce layer, add zucchini, then sprinkle generously with shredded cheese for that perfect cheesy top layer.
- Let it rest: Giving your casserole a few minutes to cool allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve.
Ingredients
I find that my favorite recipes all have really simple ingredients like this one. Something to pay attention to!
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded – divided
- Marinara sauce, divided
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zucchinis, shredded
How to Make Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Here we go! Ready for a recipe that will give you a five-star rating with any crowd? Well, get set for the main event!
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the ground beef is browned.
- Add the garlic.
- Drain excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add half of the marinara sauce and seasonings. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the zucchini to the meat sauce and stir until combined.
- Spread half of the zucchini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle it with half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers of the meat sauce mixture and cheese.
- Spread the remaining marinara over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Make sure the ground beef is drained and the zucchini isn’t too watery. The last thing you want is your casserole turning into a soup, haha!
- A large skillet
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- A cheese grater
- Aluminum foil
What to Serve With Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side dish like a green salad or steamed vegetables. For those not following a low-carb diet, a side of garlic bread or orzo pasta makes a yummy addition.
Why You Should Make Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
I’m always looking for ways to use up zucchini from my garden in the summer. This dish is the perfect opportunity for that!
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, making it a family favorite for any night of the week.
- Nutritious and delicious, combining healthy zucchini with protein-packed ground meat.
- Perfect for meal prep, easy to make ahead and just as easy to reheat.
- Versatile, allowing for various add-ins and substitutions to suit your taste.
Variations and Add-Ins for Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Feel free to add in other fresh herbs like thyme or cilantro. Let me know how it goes in the comments. I love hearing about it!
- For the cheese lovers: Mix in some parmesan cheese or sharp cheddar cheese for extra cheesy goodness.
- Spice it up: A little Worcestershire sauce or cayenne pepper can add a nice kick.
- Make it even heartier: Stir in some brown rice or cauliflower rice into the beef mixture for an extra-filling dish.
- Veggie boost: Add diced onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to the mix for more flavor and texture.
If you love this easy casserole recipe, you’re going to love these casserole dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Zucchini Recipes
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Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded – divided
- 24 oz marinara sauce divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- salt and pepper to taste
- 3 zucchinis shredded – medium
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the ground beef is browned.
- Add the garlic.
- Drain excess fat and return the beef to the skillet.
- Add half of the marinara sauce and seasonings. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Add the zucchini to the meat sauce and stir until combined.
- Spread half of the zucchini and meat sauce mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle it with half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers of the meat sauce mixture and cheese.
- Spread the remaining marinara over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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