Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering weeknight meal that brings together robust flavors, a touch of comfort, and a big helping of wholesome veggies, look no further than Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. This hearty, cheesy dish layers tender zucchini with savory ground beef, sweet tomatoes, and a blanket of bubbling mozzarella. It’s a casserole that manages to be both cozy and vibrant, perfect for family dinners yet impressive enough for guests—and it comes together with a handful of kitchen staples.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is in its straightforward, no-fuss ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in building both taste and texture. Let’s take a closer peek at why these specific components deserve a spot in your casserole dish!

• Zucchini: These green beauties bring moisture and a soft bite, soaking up all those savory flavors.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness that helps sauté your aromatics while keeping things heart-healthy.
• Onion: Offers up sweet undertones and wonderful depth—don’t skip this key flavor builder!
• Garlic: Minced garlic pumps up the aroma and brightens the entire casserole.
• Lean ground beef: The star protein, giving hearty substance and rich, meaty flavor.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that layers in herbaceous, almost Mediterranean notes.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and for prepping the zucchini to avoid sogginess.
• Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and earthiness, balancing out the richness.
• Diced tomatoes: Provides sauciness, acidity, and a bright burst throughout every layer.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection—a must for that classic casserole topping.

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Slice your zucchini into hearty half-inch rounds. Place them in a sieve or colander, toss with a generous pinch of salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This simple trick draws out excess water and keeps your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole delightfully firm, never watery!

Step 2: Rinse and Pat Dry

Once your zucchini has had a chance to sweat, give it a good rinse under cold water to remove the extra salt. Pat each round dry with paper towels. This step ensures your casserole turns out rich, not soggy, letting every layer shine on its own.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions, cooking just until they start to soften and release their inviting sweetness—about two minutes. Next, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, crumble in your ground beef, stirring often and breaking it up as you go. Cook until completely browned, no pink in sight!

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

To the browned beef and aromatic base, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, a touch more salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and remove the skillet from heat. This is where all those flavors begin to mingle beautifully, setting the stage for your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In an 8×8 baking dish, build your masterpiece: Start with half the beef mixture, then layer on half the zucchini slices, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat so you have two gorgeous layers, finishing with that irresistible cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop your creation into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly, melted cheese with those golden brown edges. The Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole will smell heavenly and look even better!

Step 7: Let It Rest

Resist the urge to scoop it out immediately. Give your casserole a well-deserved 10-minute rest—the layers will settle, making it easier to serve perfectly portioned squares that hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving for a pop of green and a hit of freshness that wakes up all the cheesy, savory goodness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs well with almost anything! A crisp green salad or garlicky steamed green beans keep things light, while garlic bread or rice make for a heartier spread alongside your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Try portioning into individual ramekins for dinner parties, or topping each serving with a little extra mozzarella and a drizzle of good olive oil. If you’re feeling adventurous, stuff leftovers into halved bell peppers and bake for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole stores well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better overnight—just be sure it’s tightly wrapped so the cheese stays nice and moist.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this casserole! Let it cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture, freeze before baking and add an extra 5-10 minutes to bake time when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop leftovers in a 350 degree oven, covered with foil, for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Microwave works too, but oven reheating helps the cheese get bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. The flavors meld even more, and all you have to do is pop it in the oven when dinnertime comes.

Can I swap the ground beef for another protein?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless ground alternative all work beautifully and lighten up the dish without losing any of the cozy flavors.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

Salting and draining the zucchini, then patting it dry, is crucial for avoiding excess moisture. Make sure your diced tomatoes are drained well too for the best, firmest results.

Is Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use any flour or breadcrumbs. Just double-check your seasonings and tomatoes if you’re serving anyone with sensitivities.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Feel free to stir in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach for a different twist. Just be mindful of their moisture content, and sauté extra veggies before layering if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like tucking into a bubbling dish of Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole after a long day. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with color and flavor. Give it a try and let it become a new staple at your table—you might just find everyone asking for seconds!

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