This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a warm and tasty meal! It mixes tender zucchini with savory ground beef, all covered in cheesy goodness. What’s not to love?
On busy nights, this casserole saves the day! Just bake it all together and enjoy one dish with your family. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: The star of this dish! Use medium-sized zucchinis for the best texture. If zucchini isn’t available, consider using yellow squash or eggplant as a substitute. Both work well and add their own flavor!
Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef, about 80% lean, for a good balance of flavor and fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. For vegetarian, try lentils or plant-based ground meat.
Cheese: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while Parmesan adds depth. Feel free to double the mozzarella if you love cheese! If you want a dairy-free option, try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
Sour Cream: It adds creaminess to the casserole. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream or a cashew cream can be used. For a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works too!
Italian Seasoning: I find that a blend of herbs really enhances the flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme for a similar taste.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Zucchini for This Casserole?
Preparing the zucchini properly is crucial for a great casserole. You want it tender but not soggy. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the zucchini about 1/4 inch thick. This allows them to cook evenly and not turn mushy.
- You might want to sprinkle sliced zucchini with a little salt and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture.
- Pats them dry with a paper towel before layering them in the dish. This step ensures your casserole isn’t watery!
Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream or cream cheese (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 55 minutes from start to finish to get this meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to go in. Also, lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take around 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.
4. Combine the Sauce:
Stir in the marinara or tomato sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to bring all those tasty flavors together.
5. Prepare the Zucchini:
While the meat sauce is simmering, slice the zucchinis thinly, about 1/4 inch thick. This will help them cook evenly in the casserole.
6. Mix in Creaminess (Optional):
If you’re using sour cream or cream cheese, stir it into the meat sauce now to add some nice creaminess to the dish. Yum!
7. Layer Your Casserole:
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini on the bottom. Next, spread half of the meat sauce over the zucchini. Then sprinkle a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Repeat these layers with the remaining zucchini, meat sauce, and finish with the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden, bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.
9. Let It Rest:
Once it’s done baking, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a little bit. If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your hearty and healthy Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly. You can also layer in some cooked spinach for added nutrients!
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time since it will be coming from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. Adding a splash of sauce or cheese on top before reheating can help revive the flavors!
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works great! For a vegetarian version, try using lentils, quinoa, or plant-based meat alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time according to your chosen ingredient to ensure everything is nicely cooked.
