Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that sneaks in plenty of veggies without sacrificing rich, savory flavor, you have to try this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. This recipe masterfully layers seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and melty mozzarella for a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly light. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a hearty meal to bring to a potluck, this casserole brings a nostalgic, homemade touch with every warm bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is that it relies on a handful of humble ingredients—each one with a job to do. From beef for heartiness to zucchini for freshness, you’ll see how these building blocks come together for the ultimate baked comfort food.

• Zucchini: The star vegetable, providing a delicate, slightly sweet bite and wonderful moisture to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Just a splash helps the onions cook down and adds a savory undertone to the dish.
• Onion: Essential for depth and a subtle sweetness that balances out the beef.
• Garlic: Two cloves are all you need to infuse the casserole with irresistible aroma and warmth.
• Lean Ground Beef: The hearty base that makes this casserole super satisfying for even the hungriest eaters.
• Italian Seasoning: A flavorful blend that brings all the classic herb notes you expect in a comfort casserole.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances every flavor and helps draw moisture from the zucchini.
• Black Pepper: Adds just a hint of earthy heat to round out the flavor profile.
• Diced Tomatoes (drained): Lend juiciness, tang, and a little bit of brightness to the layers.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melted mozzarella creates that perfectly gooey, golden-brown top everyone loves.

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Start by slicing your zucchini into ½-inch rounds. Place the slices in a colander or sieve and toss them with a generous sprinkle of salt. This easy trick draws out their excess moisture, so your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole turns out richly flavored instead of watery. Let them sit for 15 minutes, then give them a cold rinse to wash away the salt, and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is a game changer for perfect texture!

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions—you’ll notice the kitchen filling with lovely aromas within seconds. Sauté for a couple of minutes, until the onion starts to soften. Add your minced garlic and ground beef, breaking up the meat as you stir. Keep cooking until the beef is fully browned with no pink left, which usually takes about five minutes. This step is where all those savory base flavors come together.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into your beef mixture. This combination lifts the flavors from simple to crave-worthy, with the tomatoes melting into the beef and herbs for a rich filling. After you’ve mixed everything together, remove the skillet from the heat so it doesn’t overcook while you prep your baking dish.

Step 4: Layer the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In an 8×8-inch baking dish, assemble the casserole by spooning in half of the beef mixture. Layer half of your beautifully prepped zucchini on top, then shower with half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef, a second layer of zucchini, and finish by blanketing the whole thing with the rest of the cheese. Layering keeps every bite flavorful and prevents the zucchini from turning mushy.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and cheese that’s melted and starting to brown—pure comfort food bliss. Don’t be tempted to dig in right away! Let it rest for 10 minutes so the casserole sets up and slicing is a breeze. The wait is worth it for those gorgeous squares of Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle on some freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. A light dusting of grated Parmesan also adds savory depth and a pop of color. These simple garnishes go a long way in making your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole look as incredible as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole is deliciously filling on its own, but it truly shines next to a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. If you want something heartier, serve it with a slice of crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up any extra tomato-rich juices. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans would also make lovely, easy sides.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for special occasions by baking and serving it in individual ramekins—everyone loves their own mini portion! Or, keep things rustic by presenting it in a cast-iron skillet right at the table. The bubbling cheese and inviting layers make a stunning centerpiece no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover casserole, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead lunch or fast dinner solution. The flavors meld and deepen with time, making leftover slices extra delicious.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for future meals. Wrap individual pieces or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Just make sure to label it so you know exactly what treat is waiting for you!

Reheating

To reheat, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge if it’s been frozen. Warm slices in a 350-degree oven until heated through and the cheese is melty again. A quick zap in the microwave also works for grab-and-go portions. However you reheat it, the layers stay luscious and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are delicious, lean alternatives in this casserole. Just remember to season well, as they’re a bit milder in flavor than beef. You might also add a splash more olive oil to keep things juicy.

How do I keep the casserole from becoming watery?

Salting, rinsing, and drying the zucchini slices is your best friend here. This simple prep step removes the bulk of the excess moisture, so your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole comes out with perfect consistency every time.

Can this be made dairy-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds in place of regular cheese. The casserole will still turn out bubbly and satisfying, with plenty of cheesy appeal.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

You can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, like a 9×13, for a crowd. The casserole layers up nicely and you can add a few extra minutes to the bake time to make sure everything is cooked through and bubbly.

What’s the best way to prep this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare and layer the unbaked casserole, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, take it out while the oven preheats, and bake as directed (adding a few extra minutes if it’s straight from the fridge). This makes dinner almost effortless!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is exactly the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into something special. With its comforting flavors, easy steps, and built-in veggie boost, it’s a dish I return to time and again. If you’re looking for a meal that always satisfies, give this casserole a try and watch it become a new family favorite!

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