This easy cheesy ground beef zucchini casserole is a tasty and filling dish, perfect for busy weeknights. The combo of savory beef and fresh zucchini topped with gooey cheese makes it a family favorite!
Honestly, who wouldn’t love dinner that bakes itself while you relax? I like to serve this with a side salad for a nice balance. You’ll have your loved ones asking for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. You can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds great flavor and texture. If zucchini is not available, you could use sliced eggplant or yellow squash instead. Both have a similar texture and will work well.
Marinara Sauce: A great way to bring moisture and flavor. If you don’t have marinara, any tomato-based sauce like spaghetti sauce or even a homemade tomato sauce will do just fine. You can also use salsa for a zesty kick!
Cream Cheese or Cottage Cheese: If you want a creamier texture, you can replace ricotta with cream cheese or cottage cheese. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will work wonderfully.
How Can I Perfectly Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Getting the onions and garlic just right is crucial for flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium heat. This prevents burning while allowing the onions to soften.
- Use a good quality olive oil for added taste. Just enough to cover the bottom of your skillet is perfect.
- Add the onions first; they need a little more time to caramelize. After a few minutes, toss in the minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. The garlic will be fragrant and lightly golden in 1-2 minutes.
Just remember to keep stirring to avoid the garlic burning, which can make it bitter!
Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Olive oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then about 40 to 45 minutes to bake. So, in a little less than an hour, you’ll have a cheesy, hearty dinner ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your casserole.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic, and sauté them until the onions are soft and translucent—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step brings out the sweetness in the onions!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to your skillet and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it. You want your filling to be lean!
4. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes to combine the flavors, then remove it from the heat.
5. Start Layering in the Casserole Dish:
In a greased casserole dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini evenly across the bottom. This will be the base of your delicious meal!
6. Add the Beef Mixture:
Spread half of your tasty ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini. You want to ensure good coverage for every bite!
7. Cheese It Up:
Drop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese over the beef, then top it with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will add lovely creaminess!
8. Repeat the Layers:
Now, repeat the process with the remaining zucchini, beef mixture, ricotta, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. This layering creates a beautiful casserole.
9. Top with Parmesan:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
10. Bake It:
Cover your casserole dish with foil and bake it in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. This helps to keep everything nice and moist.
11. Uncover and Finish Baking:
Take off the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Your house will smell amazing!
12. Rest Before Serving:
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set nicely, making it easier to serve up.
13. Garnish and Serve:
If you like, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
This cheesy, wholesome casserole blends tender ground beef, fresh zucchini, and three kinds of cheese for a comforting meal any day of the week. Perfect for family dinners!
FAQ for Easy Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before layering it in the casserole. This will help maintain the texture and prevent the dish from becoming watery.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
For a low-carb version, you can replace the zucchini with sliced bell peppers or use eggplant instead. Additionally, using cauliflower rice in place of traditional pasta sauce can keep the dish hearty without the extra carbs.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the next day, increasing the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Casserole?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave portions or warm it up in the oven, covered with foil, until heated through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months!
