This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a cozy dish that’s packed with flavor. With tender ground beef and fresh zucchini baked together, it’s a family favorite!
This casserole is not only tasty but also a great way to get some veggies in. I love making this on busy nights—it’s easy and everyone goes for seconds (even the picky eaters!).
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef (at least 80/20 fat) for less grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too!
Zucchini: Fresh, medium zucchinis are perfect here. If you can’t find zucchini, try yellow squash as a substitute, or even eggplant for a different flavor.
Onion: Diced yellow or white onion adds great flavor. If you’re short on onions, shallots could also work as a milder substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances the taste, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon per clove) can be a good alternative.
Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes: Any store-bought tomato sauce will do, and you can swap the diced tomatoes for fire-roasted ones for extra flavor. If avoiding canned goods, use fresh tomatoes instead—about 3 cups diced.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme is great for this dish. If you only have one or two of these herbs, feel free to mix them in as a substitute!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic for casseroles, but I personally love mixing it with cheddar for added flavor. Use any melty cheese you prefer!
How Do You Ensure the Zucchini Stays Tender and Delicious?
Getting the zucchini just right is vital for this casserole. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how:
- Slice the zucchini thinly, around 1/4 inch, so they cook evenly.
- Layering them properly is key; don’t overcrowd each layer. This allows for better cooking and flavor melding.
- Feel free to sprinkle a little salt on the sliced zucchini and let them sit for 15 minutes. This removes excess moisture, helping them bake perfectly.
How to Make Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a bit of time cooking the beef and layering everything in the baking dish, but the rest is just waiting for it to bake and bubble up beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is an important first step to ensure the casserole cooks evenly and gets that nice golden cheese on top.
2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion turns translucent. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat to keep your casserole from being greasy.
3. Add the Sauces and Seasoning:
Next, stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together nicely.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a layer of the beef mixture evenly on the bottom of the dish. Then, layer half of the zucchini rounds on top of the beef mixture. Spread another layer of the beef mixture over the zucchini. Finally, arrange the remaining zucchini rounds on top of everything.
5. Add the Cheese and Bake:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil (this helps keep it moist) and bake in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done baking, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool and firm up before cutting it into squares. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to add a lovely touch! Now your cozy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is ready to serve!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a leaner option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if you’re using a more delicate protein like turkey, as it may cook a bit faster than beef.
What if I Don’t Have Zucchini?
No problem! You can use other vegetables such as yellow squash, eggplant, or even spinach as a substitute. If using spinach, just add it on top of the beef mixture instead of layering it in, and reduce your baking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
How to Keep Leftovers Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before wrapping tightly and placing in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance! Assemble it as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, it may require an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven since it will be cold from the fridge.
