Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, protein-packed meal ideal for a family dinner, featuring savory Italian seasoning and the option for a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, releasing fragrant aromas.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: Stir in the sliced zucchini, drained diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to allow the zucchini to soften slightly and flavors to meld.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the beef and zucchini mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture. If you prefer a crunchy texture, sprinkle 1/2 cup breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting and cheesy meal!
Notes
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- Use low-fat cheese or omit the breadcrumbs for a lighter version of this casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, zucchini casserole, ground beef recipes, baked beef dish, family dinner casserole
