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