Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with fresh zucchini and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this casserole is baked to golden bubbly perfection, showcasing a delightful blend of Italian-inspired herbs and delicious cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole later.
- Cook ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef for about 6-8 minutes, then drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add tomato mixture and season: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Prepare casserole layering: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly. Arrange half of the sliced zucchini in an even layer at the bottom of the dish.
- Add beef layer: Spread half of the prepared beef and tomato mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. Repeat with the remaining zucchini slices followed by the remaining beef mixture, creating alternating layers.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese to finish the layering with a rich cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil carefully and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden brown and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm that the tomato sauce and canned tomatoes have no added gluten-containing ingredients.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
