Okay, friends, let’s talk weeknight dinners. I don’t know about you, but by Wednesday, I’m *done*. I need something easy, comforting, and that the whole family will actually eat (without complaining!). That’s where this ground beef zucchini casserole comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver.
It’s hearty, it’s flavorful, and it’s a sneaky way to get some extra veggies into those picky eaters. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit. Even my super-critical teenage son asks for seconds, which is basically a culinary miracle, right?
I first whipped this up when my garden exploded with zucchini one summer – I was desperate to use it all! Now, even when I’m *not* drowning in zucchini, I still crave this dish. The combination of savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and that bubbly, cheesy top? Mmm, perfection! Trust me, once you try this ground beef zucchini casserole, it’ll become a regular in your rotation, too. It’s just that good!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Seriously, what’s not to love? This casserole is total comfort food, but without all the fuss. It’s got a few things going for it that make it a winner in my book:
- Super quick to prep – I’m talking 15 minutes, tops!
- Uses ingredients you probably already have.
- Even picky eaters gobble it up.
- It’s a naturally low-carb option, which is a bonus!
- And the BEST part? It’s such a great way to use up all that zucchini!
Quick and Easy Dinner Solution
Look, we’re all busy, right? This isn’t one of those recipes that requires hours in the kitchen. You just brown some beef, chop a few veggies, layer it all together, and bake. Boom! Dinner is served. It’s seriously my go-to when I’m short on time and energy.
A Delicious Way to Use Zucchini
Okay, let’s be honest: zucchini can be a little… bland. But trust me, in this casserole, it totally shines! The savory meat sauce and melted cheese transform it into something truly crave-worthy. Even folks who claim they “don’t like zucchini” will be sneaking bites!
Comfort Food That’s Good For You
Who says comfort food can’t be healthy-ish? With lean ground beef and plenty of zucchini, this casserole is packed with protein and vitamins. It’s way better for you than ordering takeout, that’s for sure!
Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Nothing fancy here, just simple ingredients that come together to make magic. You’ll need about 1 pound of ground beef – I usually go for an 80/20 blend for flavor, but leaner works too. Grab 2 medium zucchini, and you’ll want to slice them about 1/4-inch thick – not too thin, not too chunky. Then, 1 medium onion, chopped. Don’t skimp on that onion!
For the sauce, you’ll need one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. And for seasonings, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Last but not least, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure you pack it in when you measure! That’s it – simple, right?
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this is super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious ground beef zucchini casserole in no time!
Preparing the Ground Beef and Sauce
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 375 degrees F (that’s 190 degrees C for my friends across the pond!). Now, grab a large skillet and brown your ground beef over medium heat. Make sure to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease – nobody wants a greasy casserole! Add your chopped onion to the skillet and cook until it’s softened, about 5 minutes or so. Then, stir in your crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring it all to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together. Mmm, smells good already, right?
Assembling the Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Now for the fun part: layering! Grab a baking dish – a 9×13 inch one works great. Start by layering half of your zucchini slices on the bottom. Then, spread half of your meat sauce over the zucchini, and sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat those layers – zucchini, meat sauce, cheese. It’s like a lasagna, but with zucchini instead of pasta! Am I right?!
Baking Your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole to Perfection
Pop that casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You want it to look golden brown and delicious. Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up a bit. Careful, it’s hot! And that’s it! Your ground beef zucchini casserole is ready to devour!
Tips for the Best Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Want to take your casserole from good to *amazing*? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! To avoid a watery casserole, salt your zucchini slices and let them sit for about 15 minutes before layering – this draws out extra moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before you assemble everything. For that perfect golden-brown cheese topping, pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two, but watch it CLOSELY – it can burn fast! And always, *always* taste and adjust your seasonings. A little extra oregano or garlic powder can really make a difference!
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic casserole – now let’s get creative! The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of pepper jack for a kick! Throw in some extra veggies – bell peppers and mushrooms are always a win.
Feeling adventurous? Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef – yum! And if you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is *chef’s kiss*. Seriously, don’t be afraid to play around and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
So, your casserole is bubbly and golden – now what? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a great choice to balance the richness. Or, how about some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus would also be amazing! Honestly, it’s pretty great on its own, too!
Storing and Reheating Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps great. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge – it’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Wanna keep it longer? Freeze it! Just wrap it tightly (or portion it out) and it’ll last for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can nuke it in the microwave (easy peasy!) or warm it up in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Either way, it’s just as tasty the second time around!
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me about this ground beef zucchini casserole:
Can I use different ground meat?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken work great, too. Just make sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. You could even try ground sausage for a different flavor profile!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yep! Like I mentioned before, this casserole freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just pop it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed. Easy peasy!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach – they all work great in this casserole. Just add them to the skillet along with the onion and cook until softened. The more veggies, the merrier, I say!
Nutritional Information for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Okay, a little disclaimer here: the nutritional information for this ground beef zucchini casserole can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients you use (like the brand of crushed tomatoes or the fat content of your ground beef). So, I can’t give you exact numbers. But just know that it’s packed with protein and veggies – a pretty good choice for a comforting and easy dinner!
Enjoy Your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole!
And there you have it! My family’s favorite ground beef zucchini casserole, ready for your table. I seriously hope you love it as much as we do! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! And hey, if you snap a pic, share it on social media – I’d love to see your creation!
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Banish Boring: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole in 15 Mins
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Simple and hearty ground beef zucchini casserole. It is a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices, then half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese. Repeat layers.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
