This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Made with layers of seasoned ground beef, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese, this casserole is packed with flavor while keeping things light and nutritious. It’s a great way to use up extra zucchini and is completely customizable to your taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Dish Meal – Everything bakes together in one pan for minimal cleanup.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Zucchini adds fiber and vitamins while keeping it low-carb.
- Cheesy & Satisfying – A delicious blend of meat, veggies, and melted cheese.
- Customizable – Swap proteins, add more veggies, or change up the cheese.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- Zucchini, sliced into rounds
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Tomato sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Olive oil
- Shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella)
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Drain excess fat and season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
3. Add the Sauce
- Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
4. Layer the Casserole
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the baking dish.
- Add a layer of zucchini slices, slightly overlapping.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
- Top with shredded cheese and Parmesan.
5. Bake & Serve
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb & Keto – Skip the tomato sauce or use a sugar-free version.
- Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Cheesy Overload – Mix cream cheese or ricotta into the meat layer.
- Protein Swap – Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Yes! Yellow squash works just as well and adds a slightly sweeter flavor.
How do I prevent a watery casserole?
Salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
What’s the best cheese for this casserole?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of both work best for melty goodness.
Can I add pasta or rice?
Yes! Cooked rice or pasta makes it even heartier—just mix it into the meat layer.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Dice 3-4 fresh tomatoes for a fresher taste.
What should I serve with this casserole?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies complement it well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meat for lentils or a plant-based ground beef alternative.
How do I get a crispy cheese topping?
Broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden, bubbly crust.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With layers of tender zucchini, flavorful beef, and melty cheese, it’s a meal the whole family will love. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, comforting dinner!
PrintZucchini Ground Beef Casserole
This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a simple, hearty dish made with savory ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a cheesy, flavorful sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and satisfying!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 more minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Zucchini & Sauce
- Add zucchini slices, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and sour cream, stirring to combine.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle with cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Notes
- Make it low-carb by swapping tomato sauce for cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use ground turkey or sausage for a different twist.