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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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