Description
This Zesty Zucchini Beef Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish combining sautéed lean ground beef, seasoned with Italian herbs, layered with tender zucchini slices and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced blend of protein and vegetables baked to bubbly perfection in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pantry Items & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse off the salt and pat the slices dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Add the lean ground beef, cooking and breaking it apart until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together and excess liquid reduces slightly.
- Layer the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a layer of the beef and tomato mixture. Add a layer of the prepared zucchini slices over the beef, then sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layering if necessary, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and golden bubbly on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This helps the casserole to set for easier serving. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Salting zucchini is key to prevent watery casserole; don’t skip rinsing and drying after salting.
- Using lean ground beef keeps the dish lower in fat and prevents excess grease while cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
