Hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that pack serious flavor and nutrition into every bite.

This hearty ground beef and zucchini casserole offers a mouthwatering answer to your meal planning challenges.

Tender zucchini slices mingle beautifully with seasoned ground beef, creating a comforting dish that satisfies deep hunger.

Layers of melted cheese and savory meat make this casserole a true crowd-pleaser for busy households.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with maximum taste, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

Rich protein and fresh vegetables come together in a single skillet, promising a wholesome meal that everyone will love.

Dive into this delectable casserole and watch it become your new dinnertime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 min

Cook Time: 30 min

Total Time: 50 min

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredient List for Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

• Zucchini: Mild, water-rich vegetable that adds lightness and nutrition; choose firm, glossy zucchinis without blemishes; smaller zucchinis tend to be more tender.
• Onion: Provides deep, sweet flavor foundation; select firm onions without soft spots or sprouting.
• Garlic: Intense aromatic that enhances overall taste; pick plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, peppery herb that adds final fresh note; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that creates rich main flavor; select lean ground beef for less greasiness.
• Cottage Cheese, Ricotta: Creamy elements adding moisture and subtle tanginess; full-fat versions provide better texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating golden stretchy topping; shredded version melts most evenly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth; freshly grated provides more robust flavor.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides tangy, robust sauce base; choose high-quality canned tomatoes for best results.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates and intensifies tomato flavor; look for brands without added sugars.
• Broth or Water: Helps create desired sauce consistency; low-sodium broth recommended.
• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Essential flavor enhancers that build complex taste profile.

Kitchen Tool for Beef & Zucchini Casserole

• Large skillet or pot: Essential for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning ground beef.
• 9×13-inch casserole dish: Perfect for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Colander: Used to drain excess water from zucchini slices.
• Paper towels: Helps pat zucchini dry after salting.
• Knife: Needed for chopping onions, slicing zucchini, and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

How to Assemble Beef & Zucchini Casserole

Savory Zucchini and Beef Comfort Dish

• Kitchen Preparation

Get your cooking space ready with a clean workspace and all necessary cooking tools. Warm up the oven to a cozy temperature that will transform your ingredients into a delicious meal.

• Zucchini Prep

Slice zucchini into beautiful rounds, then sprinkle with a touch of salt to release extra moisture. Let them rest while you create the flavor foundation.

• Flavor Base

In a sizzling skillet, dance onions and garlic around until they become golden and fragrant. Add ground beef and season with a blend of herbs that will make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Sauce Creation

Stir in rich tomatoes, creamy cheese, and a splash of broth to create a luxurious sauce that will bind all the ingredients together with love.

• Layering Magic

Arrange your zucchini and beef mixture in beautiful, alternating layers inside a baking dish. Top with a blanket of melty cheese that will transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

• Oven Transformation

Slide your creation into the warm oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the cheese turns golden and the edges become crispy and inviting.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh herbs on top to add a burst of freshness and color. Let the casserole rest for a few moments before serving to allow the flavors to settle and become even more delicious.

Flavor Variations and Cooking Tips

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers incredible flavor.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to boost nutrition and create more texture in your casserole.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend to personalize the dish's taste profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Casserole

• Hearty Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that brings warmth and joy to your home. This casserole serves as a perfect centerpiece for family bonding.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Accompany the casserole with a light Greek salad, warm pita bread, and tzatziki sauce to create a Mediterranean-inspired feast that elevates the entire dining experience.
• Low-Carb Comfort Plate: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a low-carb friendly option that maintains the delicious flavors while keeping the meal nutritionally balanced.
• Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal that saves time and satisfies hunger.

Planning Storage for Leftover Casserole

• Refrigerator Magic: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping the casserole's delicious flavors locked in tight. The dish actually tastes even better the next day as the ingredients meld together.
• Freezer Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain its original texture and taste.
• Portion Control Hack: Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before storing. This makes quick weeknight meals a breeze and helps control portion sizes for health-conscious families.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore its crispy cheese topping and ensure even heating throughout the casserole.

Hearty Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 50 min
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty ground beef and zucchini casserole brings comfort to dinner tables across home kitchens. Cheesy layers of seasoned meat and garden-fresh vegetables promise satisfying flavor combinations you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (90% lean)
• 2 lbs (907 g) zucchini, sliced into rounds
• ½ cup cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 14 oz (396 g) crushed tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 tbsps tomato paste
• ½ cup broth or water
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and position rack in the center. Salt zucchini slices in a colander to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
2. Aromatic Base: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in avocado oil until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly to release its fragrant oils.
3. Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef thoroughly, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Incorporate crushed tomatoes, cottage cheese, parmesan, tomato paste, and broth to create a rich, cohesive sauce.
4. Layering: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange a base layer of zucchini rounds, followed by half the beef mixture. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Finishing Touch: Blanket the casserole with shredded Mozzarella cheese, creating a golden, melting surface. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbling and slightly crisp at the edges.
6. Serving: Remove from oven and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and casserole set.

Notes

• Drain Zucchini Thoroughly: Pat zucchini completely dry to prevent excess water from making the casserole soggy and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Seasoning Balance: Adjust salt and spices while cooking ground beef to develop a rich, deep flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking so cheese sets slightly and makes cutting and serving easier.
• Low-Carb Alternative: This recipe naturally fits ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diet plans, replacing traditional pasta with nutritious zucchini layers.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg