Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, wholesome dish layered with seasoned beef, tender zucchini, and melty cheese. It’s the perfect way to use summer zucchini for a low-carb comfort meal that satisfies the whole family.
Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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3–4 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes, drained
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Brown beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Cook onions 3–4 min, then add garlic and ground beef. Cook until browned; drain excess fat.
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Season: Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
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Layer: Place half the zucchini slices in the baking dish. Spoon half the beef mixture over top. Sprinkle half the cheddar and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
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Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Servings
Makes 6 servings.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 290 kcal | 22 g | 18 g | 10 g | 2 g |
Notes
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Slice zucchini evenly so it cooks consistently.
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For firmer zucchini, lightly salt slices and let sit 15 minutes, then pat dry before layering.
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Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Tips
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Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra veggies.
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Sprinkle parmesan on top for even more cheesy goodness.
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Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the beef mix.
Benefits
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Low-carb & high-protein: Great for weight-management or keto diets.
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Veggie-packed: Delicious way to eat more zucchini.
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Family-friendly: Comforting and kid-approved flavors.
Q & A
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hrs. Bake when ready to eat.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze baked portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: What cheese alternatives work?
A: Monterey Jack, provolone, or pepper jack are all tasty swaps.
