Hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Bake Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to bake the casserole once assembled.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
