Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy dish that captures the essence of pizza night with a fresh, wholesome twist, look no further than Zucchini Pizza Casserole. This family favorite brings all the cheesy, meaty, and saucy goodness of your go-to pizza, but with a delightfully light and veggie-packed base. Bursting with flavor and just the right amount of indulgence, it’s a fantastic way to use up summer zucchini or get picky eaters to cheer for vegetables. Zucchini Pizza Casserole is destined to become a regular hero at your dinner table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how these straightforward ingredients seamlessly come together to layer in that classic pizza flavor, making every bite of Zucchini Pizza Casserole both hearty and satisfying. Each component is chosen for maximum impact, whether it’s creaminess, depth, or a pop of color.

• Shredded Zucchini (4 cups, unpeeled): This is the star of the show, creating a tender, flavorful base that perfectly soaks up the sauce and cheese.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out excess moisture from the zucchini to keep your casserole from getting soggy.
• Large Eggs (2): They help bind the zucchini, cheese, and flavor together for a firm, sliceable bottom layer.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a wonderful salty, umami bite to the zucchini crust.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Part-Skim (2 cups, shredded, divided): Delivers classic gooey, stretchy goodness you expect from pizza.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded, divided): Lends a touch of sharpness and helps create that beautiful golden top.
• Ground Beef (1 pound): Brings savory, hearty protein to the casserole, making it a satisfying main dish.
• Chopped Onion (1/2 cup): Offers a subtle sweetness and aroma that boosts the beefy, saucy layer.
• Italian Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 ounces): Coats the casserole with rich, herby flavor—feel free to pick your favorite variety.
• Green or Sweet Red Pepper (1 medium, chopped): Adds crunch, color, and a little sweetness to the topping, evoking classic pizza vibes.

How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini Base

Start by placing your shredded zucchini into a colander and sprinkle it evenly with salt. Let it hang out for about 10 minutes—this step is crucial because it helps release the zucchini’s natural moisture. After the time’s up, grab a clean towel and give the zucchini a good squeeze to get out as much water as possible. This simple tip is a game-changer for a firm, delicious Zucchini Pizza Casserole base!

Step 2: Mix and Bake the Crust

In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with eggs, grated Parmesan, and half of both the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Stir until everything is evenly mixed, then press the mixture firmly into a greased 13×9-inch or 3-quart baking dish to form an even layer. Pop the dish into a preheated 400° oven and bake for 20 minutes. When it comes out, your kitchen will smell amazing already.

Step 3: Prepare the Savory Meat Sauce

While the zucchini crust is baking, heat a large saucepan over medium. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Sauté until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain off any excess fat, then stir in the Italian tomato sauce. Let it simmer briefly—it doesn’t need long, just until everything is heated and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Once the zucchini crust is out of the oven, spoon the savory beef sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a truly pizza-worthy finish. Scatter the chopped green or sweet red pepper over everything—this not only adds vibrant color but a pleasant sweetness and crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish back into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the peppers are just tender. Let your Zucchini Pizza Casserole rest for a few minutes after baking (if you can resist!), then slice and serve hot. The layers will hold together beautifully, and you’ll get that unmistakable pizza aroma in every forkful.

How to Serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Zucchini Pizza Casserole with a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving. You can also add a little crushed red pepper for a spicy kick, or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for even more cheesy depth. These small details add freshness and instantly elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad tossed in Italian vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that savory sauce. For lighter sides, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus work beautifully, balancing the cheesy richness of your Zucchini Pizza Casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the casserole into squares and serve on a wooden platter for casual gatherings, or use mini skillets or ramekins for individual servings at family dinners. For a playful spin, let everyone top their own piece of Zucchini Pizza Casserole with their favorite “pizza” toppers, like sliced olives or pepperoni. It’s a fun, interactive meal that brings smiles to the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover Zucchini Pizza Casserole can be transferred to an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more by the next day, making it a fantastic grab-and-go option for busy lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully. After it cools completely, portion out individual slices or the whole batch into freezer-safe containers or double-wrapped with foil and plastic wrap. It’ll keep well for up to three months. Just be sure to label and date the package so you’ll know when it’s time to whip out your Zucchini Pizza Casserole craving fix!

Reheating

To reheat, simply place slices in the oven at 350° until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. For quick lunches, the microwave works fine as well—just use a microwave-safe plate and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Either way, the cheese will melt and bubble just like it did on day one.

FAQs

Can I make Zucchini Pizza Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. The rest of the recipe stays the same, and you’ll still get all that delicious pizza-inspired flavor.

Do I need to peel the zucchini?

No need! The skin of the zucchini is not only tender and nutritious but also adds a dash of color and extra fiber. Just give them a good wash and shred away.

Can I use different cheeses?

Definitely! Mozzarella and cheddar are classic, but feel free to mix in provolone, fontina, or even a bit of smoked gouda for unique flavor twists in your Zucchini Pizza Casserole.

Is it necessary to squeeze the zucchini really well?

Yes, squeezing out the moisture is key to preventing a watery casserole. The drier your zucchini, the better the crust will hold together and absorb the flavors of your toppings.

Can I prepare Zucchini Pizza Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole (before the final bake), cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and then bake as directed until hot and bubbly.

Final Thoughts

Zucchini Pizza Casserole brings together the magic of comfort food with the goodness of garden-fresh veggies in a way that makes dinner feel special every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, I can’t recommend this recipe enough—give it a try, and watch your family fall in love!

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