Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Looking for a crowd-pleasing comfort meal that’s hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor? Say hello to your next favorite weeknight dinner: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. This dish packs tender zucchini, savory ground beef, sweet-tangy tomatoes, and a bubbling layer of melty mozzarella—all the flavors we crave, baked together for pure bliss. Easy enough for a weeknight and satisfying enough for Sunday dinner, this casserole proves that wholesome can absolutely be crave-worthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole plays a starring role, whether it’s adding juiciness, bold flavor, or that irresistible cheesy stretch. Gather these kitchen staples for a simple dinner that tastes like it took all day.

• Zucchini: For tender layers and a touch of fresh, garden flavor—don’t skip salting to keep the casserole from getting watery!
• Olive oil: Gives richness to sautéed vegetables and brings out their natural sweetness.
• Onion: Adds a savory depth and a lovely hint of sweetness to the ground beef mixture.
• Garlic: Just two cloves brighten and intensify the flavors—fresh is best!
• Lean ground beef: The hearty protein base that makes this casserole ultra-satisfying and filling.
• Italian seasoning: Blends herbs for warmth, aroma, and subtle punch—think oregano, basil, and thyme in every bite.
• Kosher salt: Balances the flavors and helps draw moisture out of the zucchini for perfect texture.
• Black pepper: Brings a bit of heat and depth.
• Diced tomatoes (28 oz can, drained): Adds a sweet-tart juiciness that soaks into every layer, so don’t skimp here!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gloriously melty, golden topping you’ll want to dive right into.

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Salt the Zucchini

Begin by slicing your zucchini into 1/2-inch thick rounds. To make sure your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole isn’t watery, layer those slices in a sieve or colander and sprinkle with kosher salt while tossing them gently. This will coax out the extra moisture, ensuring beautiful, tender layers later.

Step 2: Let the Zucchini Rest

Let the salted zucchini sit for about 15 minutes. You’ll notice little beads of water forming—that’s moisture being drawn away! This small but important step means you’ll get an irresistibly satisfying casserole that holds together perfectly.

Step 3: Rinse and Pat Dry

After the rest, rinse the zucchini well under cold water to remove excess salt. Lay the rounds on a paper towel and gently pat them completely dry. Removing as much moisture as possible is key for that casserole magic.

Step 4: Sauté Onion and Start the Filling

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they’re just softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes. This will start building those irresistible, savory layers of flavor.

Step 5: Brown the Beef with Garlic

Add the garlic and crumbled ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Sauté and stir until the beef is beautifully browned and no pink remains, about 5 minutes. That golden brown color? That means flavor!

Step 6: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for just a minute to mingle the flavors, then remove the skillet from heat. Your house will already start smelling incredible!

Step 7: Preheat the Oven

Now’s the time to set your oven to 350°F. This gives you just enough time to finish assembling your casserole.

Step 8: Layer the Casserole

Spoon half of your savory beef mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Cover with half of the salted, rinsed, and dried zucchini slices, then sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese. You’re creating flavor-packed layers that melt together deliciously.

Step 9: Repeat and Top with Cheese

Repeat the layers with the remaining beef, zucchini, and mozzarella cheese. Building those alternating layers is part of the fun—and guarantees every bite is packed with goodness.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and starting to bubble and brown at the edges. Irresistible.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Give your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole a solid 10 minutes to rest after baking. The layers set, the aroma intensifies, and you get clean, gorgeous slices with every serving.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

Top each serving of Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole with freshly chopped basil, parsley, or even a sprinkle of extra black pepper. A dusting of grated Parmesan gives a salty, nutty finish that brings out all those rustic Italian flavors.

Side Dishes

I love to serve this casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or a big platter of garlic bread to soak up the saucy goodness. If you’re feeling extra hearty, roasted potatoes or steamed green beans are fabulous partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual casseroles in small ramekins for a special dinner-party touch. Or dish out neat squares onto a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, then swirl a spoonful of warm tomato sauce around the plate for a little gourmet flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole tastes even better the next day! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making your lunch or quick reheat dinner something to look forward to.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply cool it completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and hot. For a quick lunch, single portions can be microwaved—just use medium power and cover with a microwave-safe lid to keep everything moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a delicious and lighter alternative. Just follow the same steps as directed, and you’ll still get loads of savory flavor paired with all those cheesy, veggie layers.

How do I prevent my casserole from being watery?

The magic trick is salting the zucchini and letting it rest before rinsing and drying thoroughly. This pulls out excess moisture so your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole stays firm and sliceable.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even baby spinach blend wonderfully into the beef mixture before baking. Just sauté extras with the onion for best results.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, as long as you double-check that your Italian seasoning and any canned ingredients are gluten-free, you’re all set for a delicious gluten-free casserole!

What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead for guests?

You can assemble your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just bake as directed—adding about 5 extra minutes if starting from cold.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hoping for a cozy, satisfying meal that brings everyone to the table, Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is an absolute must-try. Its irresistible layers of flavor, melty cheese, and effortless prep make it a favorite you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try, and don’t forget to pass the recipe along to someone who loves a good helping of comfort food!

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