Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe
A hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole combining lean ground beef, vibrant zucchini, and rich tomato flavors layered with a cheesy blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar. This easy-to-make baked dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a satisfying family meal, delivering a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced or sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Seasonings
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Others
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish to prepare it for layering the ingredients later.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, about 6–8 minutes, and then drain any excess fat to keep the casserole light and flavorful.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: To the skillet with the beef, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens. Stir in the tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together, then set aside.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Using a clean skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced or sliced zucchini and sauté for 4–5 minutes until tender but not mushy, preserving some texture for the casserole layers.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, create layers starting with half of the sautéed zucchini. Spread half of the cooked beef mixture evenly over the zucchini. Sprinkle with a portion of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese mixture. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, beef, and cheese, finishing with the rest of the cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the assembled casserole loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve a perfect portion each time.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and calories.
- Draining excess fat after browning beef helps keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- You can adjust the type and amount of cheese to your preference; cheddar adds extra cheesiness but is optional.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or increased depending on your spice tolerance.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving improves sliceability and presentation.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, baked casserole, cheesy ground beef dish, healthy comfort food
