Hearty Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Crafting a hearty zucchini ground beef casserole becomes a delightful culinary adventure for home cooks seeking comfort.

Summer’s abundant vegetable stars in this satisfying dish, blending rich meaty flavors with garden-fresh goodness.

Unexpected layers of texture promise a memorable meal that breaks away from standard dinner routines.

Nutritious ingredients mingle effortlessly, creating a balanced plate that satisfies hunger without feeling heavy.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions, and this casserole delivers precisely that excitement.

Simple preparation meets incredible taste, ensuring minimal kitchen effort produces maximum dining pleasure.

When you crave something substantial yet uncomplicated, this recipe stands ready to impress even picky eaters.

Dig into a slice of pure, homemade happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Drain Excess Moisture: Pat zucchini slices with paper towels to remove extra water and prevent a watery casserole.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Swap cheeses based on preference or availability, like using pepper jack for extra kick or gouda for richness.
• Make It Low-Carb Friendly: Skip bread or rice sides and serve with cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad for a lower-carbohydrate option.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or beef broth after browning meat to capture extra flavor and create a more complex taste profile.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready- perfect for meal planning and saving time during busy weeknights.

How to Store Leftover Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 35 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then warm at 350F (175C) for 1520 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Portion out servings and heat on medium power for 12 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

What to Serve with Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the rich ground beef and zesty tomato sauce, enhancing the casserole's deep flavor profile.
• Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy, cheesy texture and cut through its richness.
• Toasted sourdough or French bread with garlic butter provides perfect vehicle for soaking up delicious casserole juices and adds textural contrast.
• A medium-bodied amber ale or lager offers refreshing counterpoint to the hearty, savory casserole, cleansing the palate between bites.

Variations on Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace zucchini with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and low-carb dieters.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, making the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, crumbled tofu, or meat replacement products for a meat-free option.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and fresh oregano to transform the recipe with Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.

FAQs for Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Is this casserole suitable for low-carb diets?

Yes, this zucchini ground beef casserole is relatively low-carb friendly. The zucchini provides a nutritious base, and the recipe is low in carbohydrates compared to pasta or potato-based casseroles.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for ground beef in this recipe. It will provide a leaner protein option while maintaining similar flavors and textures.

• How do I prevent the zucchini from becoming watery?

To prevent excess moisture, slice zucchini thinly and consider salting the slices for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels to remove excess water before adding to the skillet.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Prepare the dish, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Why Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Is a Weeknight Win

• Perfect for busy families looking for a quick, satisfying meal that comes together in under 45 minutes.
• Packed with zucchini and ground beef, this casserole delivers a protein-rich and vegetable-loaded dinner that kids and adults will love.
• Easy to customize with different herbs or cheese, this dish works beautifully for casual family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep lunches.
• Uses affordable ingredients and creates a hearty meal that stretches to feed multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients in Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: Hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the casserole, best when lean for a less greasy dish.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy richness and helps bind the casserole ingredients together.

• Zucchini: Fresh vegetable that provides moisture and nutrition, sliced thin for even cooking.
• Onion: Aromatic base that adds depth of flavor to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Provides intense, sharp flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy flavor to the casserole base.
• Tomato Sauce: Helps create a saucy consistency and enhances overall tomato flavor.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that brings classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky note and warm color to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that creates a stretchy, gooey topping.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing beef and vegetables, adds subtle flavor.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Optional garnish for fresh herbs and color.

How to Assemble Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Kitchen

Grab your baking dish and olive oil. Set your oven to warm up at 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Toss ground beef into a large skillet over medium heat. Break down the meat into small pieces while cooking. Let the beef sizzle and turn golden brown for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until the kitchen fills with a delicious aroma.

Step 4: Create the Veggie Layer

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika

Cook for 3-4 minutes until zucchini softens slightly.

Step 5: Develop the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Sour cream

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly across the pan.

Step 7: Cheese It Up

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up and serve with crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad.

Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini ground beef casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables with its rich layers of savory ingredients. Home cooks will savor this simple yet satisfying midweek meal that combines tender vegetables and seasoned meat in one delicious dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Vegetables:

• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil
• Red pepper flakes for spice

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Crumble ground beef into the skillet, breaking it into small pieces while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.
4. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the meat, sautéing until the aromatics release their fragrant essence.
5. Layer zucchini slices into the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a sprinkle of paprika, gently cooking until the vegetable softens slightly.
6. Pour in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, folding in a dollop of sour cream to create a creamy, cohesive mixture.
7. Carefully transfer the savory blend to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Generously shower the top with a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling blanket.
10. Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
12. Serve alongside crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that keeps the dish protein-packed and satisfying.
• Reduce moisture by patting zucchini slices with paper towels before cooking to prevent watery casserole texture and ensure a perfectly thick consistency.
• Customize cheese blend by experimenting with different varieties like pepper jack, gruyere, or goat cheese to elevate flavor complexity and match personal taste preferences.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms, transforming this casserole into a more nutrient-dense one-pan meal that’s both delicious and wholesome.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg