Description

This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a wholesome, comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It combines fresh zucchini and savory ground beef with simple ingredients to create a hearty, family-friendly meal with a delicious balance of textures and rich flavors baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Zucchini

Fresh zucchini, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
Salt (to draw out moisture)

Ground Beef Mixture

1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup tomato sauce or diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian herbs (or mixed dried herbs)
Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or smoked paprika

Cheese and Toppings

1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (or a blend)
Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)

Instructions

Prepare the zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchini evenly into about 1/4-inch thick slices. Lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels to prevent a watery casserole.
Cook the ground beef mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Stir in tomato sauce or diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and optional paprika. Let it simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish. Alternate layers of zucchini slices and the ground beef mixture, sprinkling shredded cheese between each layer for gooey pockets of flavor. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on top. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs or panko over the final cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the layers set and hold together.

Notes

Salting and draining the zucchini slices removes excess moisture and prevents sogginess.
Using lean ground beef helps reduce grease and keeps the casserole healthier.
Layer zucchini and beef evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
Feel free to mix different cheeses such as sharp cheddar and mozzarella for enhanced richness and meltiness.
Let the casserole rest before slicing to help it hold its shape better.
For a gluten-free option, omit breadcrumbs or use gluten-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Zucchini casserole, ground beef casserole, family dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food