Description
A delicious and hearty Cheesy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole that combines ground beef, zucchini, and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional for added texture)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the sliced zucchinis, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the cooked rice. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchinis to soften slightly.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg