Amazing Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for Delicious Comfort

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, filled with tender beef, vibrant zucchini, and gooey cheese that makes your taste buds dance with joy. Picture the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as you bake this delightful dish; it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience! I can still remember the first time I made it: my husband walked in, sniffed the air dramatically, and declared he was ready for dinner even before the casserole had finished baking. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Enchilada Casserole recipe.

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole has become a staple in our home—perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table, where laughter echoes and stories are shared over hearty bites. Trust me; you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds (or thirds), and your friends will be begging for the recipe!

Ingredients for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole: Explore more delicious recipes. Discover tasty zucchini recipes.

• Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef to keep it healthy while adding rich flavor to your casserole.

• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and texture; choose firm ones without blemishes for best results.

• Onion: A chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the dish; yellow onions work great here.

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the casserole a savory kick that elevates all the flavors.

• Diced Tomatoes: Use canned diced tomatoes for added richness and juiciness; they blend perfectly with other ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar provides gooey goodness on top; feel free to mix in some mozzarella too!

• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds a delightful aromatic quality that makes every bite sing.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the wonderful flavors in your casserole.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

this Recipe for Later

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, grab your favorite baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Sauté Your Vegetables

In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about three minutes. The smell should make you feel like a gourmet chef.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add in the ground beef along with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned—about five to seven minutes—breaking up any chunks so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Add Zucchini and Tomatoes

Stir in sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes (with their juices) into the skillet. Let everything simmer together for about five minutes until the zucchini starts to soften.

Step 5: Assemble Your Casserole

Transfer half of the meat mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of your shredded cheese over it, then layer on the remaining meat mixture followed by another layer of cheese.

Step 6: Bake Your Masterpiece

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last ten minutes so that cheese gets bubbly and golden brown.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy this delightful Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole as a comforting weeknight meal or serve it at your next potluck gathering—trust me; everyone will ask for seconds!

Perfecting Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Cooking Process

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet, seasoning it well. While that cooks, chop your zucchini, tomatoes, and any other veggies you want to add. Try other ground beef dishes Next, layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do its magic while you kick back and relax.

Add Your Touch to Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a plant-based option if that’s your jam. Add some cheese for extra creaminess or sprinkle in some chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. The options are endless!

Storing & Reheating Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

To store, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about three days. When reheating, simply pop it in the oven or microwave until heated through.

If you drain the fat from the ground beef properly, your casserole won’t be greasy—trust me, nobody likes swimming in grease when they dive into dinner!

Zucchini tends to release water as it cooks, so try to salt it first and let it sit to draw out excess moisture before adding it to your layers.

Don’t skip preheating your oven! This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and achieves that delightful bubbly crust we all love.

Sometimes I throw this dish together after a long day of running errands, and I always get compliments from my family about how delicious it is!

FAQs About Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

What is Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish featuring layers of ground beef, fresh zucchini, and savory seasonings. This casserole combines the rich flavors of seasoned beef with the tender texture of zucchini, all baked together in a comforting dish. It’s Perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.

How do I make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

To make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, start by browning ground beef in a skillet with onions and garlic until cooked through. Then, layer sliced zucchini in a baking dish with the cooked beef mixture. Add tomato sauce, cheese, and your favorite seasonings. Bake until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly. This simple recipe allows you to customize flavors with herbs or additional vegetables as desired.

Can I freeze Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! After baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in an airtight container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven until warmed through. Freezing leftovers helps reduce waste while providing an easy meal option later on.

What can I serve with Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole pairs well with various sides to create a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad for added crunch and nutrition. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also complement this dish nicely, helping to soak up any sauce. For those looking for lighter options, steamed vegetables or a quinoa salad can enhance your meal while keeping it healthy and satisfying.

Conclusion for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

In summary, Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Its combination of ground beef and zucchini creates a satisfying meal that can be easily customized. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead of time, this recipe offers convenience without sacrificing taste. Enjoy this wholesome casserole that brings comfort food to your table with every bite! For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Beef Stroganoff recipe.

Print

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Alina
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese for a satisfying meal. This hearty casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering both flavor and nutrition in every bite. With its vibrant colors and delicious aroma, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant (about 3 minutes).
3. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
4. Stir in sliced zucchini and diced tomatoes; simmer for 5 minutes until zucchini softens.
5. Layer half of the meat mixture in the baking dish; add half of the cheese on top. Repeat with remaining meat mixture and cheese.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (approximately 235g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg