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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Irresistible Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole (Just 6 Ingredients!)

A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring layers of tender zucchini, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, perfect for a family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 28 oz diced tomatoes, drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Lightly salt them and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels—this helps prevent a watery casserole.
  2. Cook the Beef Mixture: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano if using. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and some of the moisture to evaporate. This step helps keep the casserole from becoming too soupy.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Spread half of the beef and tomato mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, beef mixture, and another cup of mozzarella.
  5. Optional Topping: For an extra cheesy, golden top, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the final mozzarella layer.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Rest & Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

  • This casserole is a great option for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • For a different flavor, consider adding a dash of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a bit of heat.
  • Author: Sabrine Jay
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320

Keywords: casserole, ground beef, zucchini, cheesy, comfort food