Hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender zucchini with savory ground beef and melted cheese. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini evenly on the bottom. Spread half of the cooked ground beef over the zucchini, then pour half of the tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
3. Step 3: Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese.
4. Step 4: Cover the dish 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.
5. Step 5: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add minced garlic and chopped onions to the ground beef while cooking.
• Try using a mix of cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, for a richer taste.
• To make it lower in carbs, substitute tomato sauce with a sugar-free version or add more vegetables like bell peppers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be used as a substitute. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it uncovered for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Bake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 411 reviews

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring layers of flavorful ground beef, tender zucchini slices, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Vegetables

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds

Cheese

• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake the casserole once assembled.
3. Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the cooked ground beef mixture on the bottom. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices over the meat. Sprinkle a layer of mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layers ending with cheese, and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on the very top.
4. Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden top.
5. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to cut portions.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
• For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Use low-fat cheese options to reduce calories and fat content.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Adding chopped onions or garlic to the ground beef mixture will enhance flavor.

Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, baked casserole, low carb dinner, cheesy beef bake