Description

This Ground Beef Zucchini Recipe is a delicious, layered casserole featuring tender slices of zucchini, savory lean ground beef cooked with onion and garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Italian spices and baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty yet nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and great for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 medium zucchini, sliced
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced

Meat

1 lb lean ground beef

Other Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Slice the zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Let it rest for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then rinse the slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
Cook the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Brown the ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Cook thoroughly, breaking up the meat with a spoon until browned and no longer pink, approximately 7-8 minutes.
Add tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well and remove the skillet from heat.
Assemble the casserole: In a baking dish, layer a portion of the meat mixture, followed by a layer of zucchini slices, then a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
Bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set before serving. This will help the layers hold together and enhance the flavors.

Notes

Slicing zucchini evenly ensures uniform cooking.
Salting and rinsing zucchini prevents excess water in the dish.
You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese blend for variation.
Use lean ground beef to keep the dish lower in fat.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For extra flavor, consider adding chopped fresh basil or parsley before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: ground beef zucchini casserole, baked zucchini recipe, Italian ground beef bake, low fat casserole, easy dinner recipe