Name: Devour Sinful Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 medium zucchini, diced; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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Okay, so you’re looking for a super simple dinner that’s actually good for you, right? I’ve got *just* the thing: this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe! Trust me, even if you’re not a zucchini fan (yet!), this recipe will change your mind. It’s seriously the easiest casserole you’ll ever make, and it’s packed with so much flavor, you won’t even realize you’re eating something healthy.

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was trying to figure out what to do with a mountain of zucchini from my garden. I was so overwhelmed! I wanted something that wasn’t just zucchini bread (again!). That’s when I found a version of this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe, and I’ve tweaked it over the years to make it absolutely perfect. Now, it’s a family staple. Seriously, even my picky eaters gobble it up! It’s also great because it uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, clean-up is a breeze. What’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Seriously, who has time to spend hours cooking on a weeknight? Not me! This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is ready in under an hour from start to finish. Boom! Dinner is served.

Healthy and Nutritious

We’re talking protein and veggies all in one dish! Ground beef gives you that satisfying protein, and zucchini is packed with vitamins. It’s a total win-win for your body!

Delicious and Flavorful

Forget boring healthy food! The crushed tomatoes, oregano, and garlic create this amazing flavor that everyone will love. My favorite part is the bubbly, cheesy topping!

Low Carb Friendly

Watching your carbs? No problem! This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is naturally low-carb, making it a fantastic choice if you’re trying to cut back. You can enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal without the guilt!

Ingredients for Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! For this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe, you’ll need about 1 pound of ground beef. I usually go for 85% lean, but whatever you have on hand works. Then grab 2 medium zucchini, and yes, you’ll want to dice them up. One chopped onion (yellow or white, your call!) and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Trust me, don’t skip the garlic! It adds so much flavor!

You’ll also need a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes – the kind without any extra herbs or spices added, we’re adding our own! A teaspoon of dried oregano, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. And of course, the star of the show: 1 cup *packed* shredded mozzarella cheese. Seriously, pack it in there! Finally, 2 tablespoons of olive oil. That’s it! Easy peasy, right?

How to Make Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ground Beef and Vegetables

Okay, first things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t skip this step! You want that oven nice and hot and ready to go. Next, grab a large skillet – I love using my cast iron for this. Drizzle in those 2 tablespoons of olive oil and set it over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering (careful, it splatters!), add in your pound of ground beef. Cook it up, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s nice and browned. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; we’re just looking for it to be cooked through.

Now, here’s the thing: ground beef can be kinda greasy. So, drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Nobody wants a soggy casserole! After that, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they’re softened and fragrant – about 5 minutes or so. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now! Finally, stir in your diced zucchini, crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the whole shebang to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender. You don’t want it mushy, just tender. It should still have a *little* bite to it.

Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe - detail 1

Assembling the Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Alright, time to put it all together! Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish (or whatever size you have that’s close enough) and pour the ground beef and veggie mixture right in. Spread it out evenly, like you’re tucking it in for a nap. Now, for the best part: sprinkle that cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Make sure every inch is covered in cheesy goodness!

Baking the Casserole to Perfection

Pop that Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. Mmm, that’s the good stuff! Once it’s ready, take it out of the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This just helps everything settle and makes it easier to cut. Plus, it gives you a chance to admire your handiwork! And that’s it! You’ve got yourself an Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole that’s sure to be a hit!

Tips for the Best Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Zucchini

Seriously, this is key! Overcooked zucchini gets all mushy and releases a *ton* of water. And nobody wants a watery casserole, right? Cook it until it’s just tender, with a little bite left.

Use High-Quality Ground Beef

Trust me on this one: the better the ground beef, the better the casserole. I like to use 85% lean ground beef because it has great flavor without being too greasy. Plus, it just tastes better, you know?

Cheese Choice Matters

Okay, so you *could* use any old mozzarella, but for the ultimate cheesy pull and flavor, go for fresh, high-quality mozzarella. It melts like a dream and adds so much to this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe. You won’t regret it!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Ground Beef Alternatives

Not feeling the ground beef? No sweat! This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is super flexible. Ground turkey or chicken works just as well, and they’re both leaner options if you’re watching your fat intake. Just cook them the same way you would the ground beef!

Vegetable Variations

Zucchini’s not the only veggie that plays nice in this casserole! Feel free to toss in some diced bell peppers (any color!), sliced mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach. Just add them in with the zucchini and cook until they’re tender. Oops, almost forgot: just don’t add too many extra veggies or you’ll end up with a soggy casserole!

Cheese Substitutions

Mozzarella is my go-to for this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe, but you can totally experiment! Cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese both melt beautifully and add a slightly different flavor. Just make sure whatever cheese you use, it’s shredded, so it melts evenly. You’ll want that bubbly, cheesy goodness in every bite!

Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round things out, a simple side salad is always a good choice. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some crusty bread for soaking up all those delicious juices! Seriously, yum!

Storing and Reheating Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (easy peasy!) or bake it in the oven until it’s heated through. I actually prefer the oven ’cause it gets the cheese all bubbly again!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Can I freeze this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Yep, you sure can! This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe freezes really well. Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it until heated through. You might want to add a little extra cheese on top before baking to freshen it up!

How can I make this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe spicier?

Ooh, good question! If you like a little kick, there are tons of ways to spice up this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe. You could add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture, or even a dash of hot sauce. Another option is to use a can of crushed tomatoes with added chili peppers. My personal favorite? A little bit of diced jalapeño! Just be careful – a little goes a long way!

Can I use different types of cheese in this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is my go-to, this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe is super versatile when it comes to cheese. Cheddar cheese will give it a sharper, tangier flavor, while Monterey Jack will make it extra creamy. Provolone is also a great choice! Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well, and you’re good to go. Honestly, I’ve even used a blend of cheeses before, and it was delicious!

Nutritional Information for Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutritional info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use. So, take any numbers you see with a grain of salt, okay? It’s just an estimate!

Enjoy Your Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe!

Alright, that’s all there is to it! Now go make this Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe and let me know what you think! Leave a comment or rate the recipe – I love hearing from you guys!