When you need a satisfying, family-friendly meal that uses simple ingredients and is ready with minimal effort, this Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is a must. Packed with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, melty cheese, and rich tomato flavor, it’s a wholesome weeknight dinner the whole family will devour.
This casserole is low in carbs, high in protein, and flexible—perfect for using up garden zucchini, feeding a crowd, or meal prepping. Best of all? It’s baked in one dish, so cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced or sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (optional, for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for spice)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes
- Add chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4: Prepare the Zucchini
- In a separate skillet or the same one (wiped clean), heat remaining olive oil. Add diced or sliced zucchini and sauté for 4–5 minutes until just tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
- In the greased baking dish, layer half the zucchini, then spread half the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat the layers, finishing with the rest of the cheese.
Step 6: Bake
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set for easier serving.
Variation:
- Make it low-carb: Skip the tomato paste and use crushed tomatoes or no-added-sugar sauce.
- Add rice or pasta: Mix in cooked rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes for a heartier version.
- Swap proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach blend in beautifully.
- Top with breadcrumbs: For a crunchy top, sprinkle seasoned panko during the last 10 minutes of baking.
COOKING Note:
Avoid overcooking the zucchini before baking—it continues to soften in the oven. Also, draining the diced tomatoes is key to prevent a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side salad: Pair with a green salad for a light, refreshing contrast.
- Garlic bread: Scoop the cheesy casserole over toast or serve it on the side.
- Meal prep: Store portions in airtight containers for 4 days of ready-to-go lunches.
- Keto dinner: Serve as-is for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
Tips:
- Use fresh mozzarella or cheddar for better melting and flavor.
- You can prep the casserole ahead and refrigerate before baking—just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
- Let it cool slightly before serving for a cleaner slice and better texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: ~50 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~360
- Protein: ~27g
- Carbohydrates: ~9g
- Fat: ~24g
- Sodium: ~580mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
These values may vary depending on cheese and meat used.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini?
- Yes, but thaw and pat dry to remove excess water before sautéing or layering.
Can I make it ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare and assemble the casserole in the morning, refrigerate, then bake at dinnertime.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
- Yes, it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just check your tomato paste and seasoning packets to confirm.
How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout.
Can I add eggs to this like a crustless quiche?
- Yes! Whisk in 2–3 eggs to the meat mixture for a more structured, baked casserole version.
Conclusion:
This Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole is the perfect combination of easy, healthy, and satisfying. Packed with flavor, loaded with cheese, and balanced with veggies, it’s a dinner winner any night of the week. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge, feeding a family, or looking for a new comfort meal with a low-carb twist—this dish has it all.
Bake it, serve it, love it