Description
Are you looking for a delicious way to infuse your dinner table with health and flavor? The Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delightful one-dish meal that combines savory ground beef, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheese, making it the perfect healthy yet hearty dinner option
Ingredients
To create your flavorful Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option)
- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced (or you can use yellow squash for a vibrant twist)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (fresh tomatoes work beautifully too!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella—feel free to mix them for a cheesy punch)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (cottage cheese can serve as a great alternative)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked casserole with a golden top that everyone will love.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent (around 3-4 minutes). This step builds a rich flavor base—don’t rush it!
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary. Stir in the Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the savory notes of the meat.
In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange half of the sliced zucchini at the bottom. This creates a lovely, tender bed for your casserole.
Spread the ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini. This creates a hearty layer of protein that will anchor the dish.
Evenly distribute the drained diced tomatoes over the meat layer. Let these juicy tomatoes shine; they add moisture and flavor, ensuring the casserole doesn’t dry out.
Dollop the ricotta cheese over the top of the tomatoes, gently spreading it out. Ricotta provides a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.
Layer the remaining zucchini slices on top and finish with a generous amount of shredded cheese. The more cheese, the better—this is where you’ll get that deliciously bubbly, golden crust!
Cover the dish with foil (to prevent burning), and bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving so much easier!
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g