Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious, low-carb twist on classic pizza flavors, layered with fresh vegetables and hearty meat. It’s an easy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Enjoy all the taste of pizza in a warm, cheesy casserole.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and stir in the Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices. Top with half of the cooked meat mixture and half of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layers once more.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• Use ground chicken or plant-based meat substitutes for a different protein option.
• Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauté for extra veggies and flavor.
• Try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a richer topping.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to preserve crispness, or microwave for a quicker option, though the texture may soften.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini for this casserole?

It’s best to use fresh zucchini as frozen zucchini tends to release extra moisture, which can make the casserole watery. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before layering.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Keep it covered and refrigerated, then bake it when ready. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 101 reviews

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious, low-carb twist on traditional pizza, combining layers of tender zucchini slices, savory ground meat, vegetables, marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy and comforting dish perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and stir in the Italian seasoning for added flavor.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the meat, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Layer Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchinis at the bottom. Next, spread half of the cooked meat and vegetable mixture over the zucchini, followed by half of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, meat mixture, and marinara sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in during baking.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole covered for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden brown, and bubbly.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini noodles.
• Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Keywords: Zucchini pizza casserole, low carb casserole, baked zucchini dish, ground turkey casserole, easy dinner recipe