Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground beef zucchini casserole is a flavorful and nourishing dish that combines tender ground beef, fresh zucchini slices, and hearty tomatoes, all topped with gooey cheese. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With its low-carb profile, it caters to various dietary preferences while providing a satisfying and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in just 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean protein and vegetables, it’s a wholesome option without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flair.
• Leftover Friendly: It reheats well, making it perfect for lunch the next day or freezing for later use.
• Kid-Approved: The melty cheese and savory flavors are sure to please even picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking dish (8×8)
• Sieve or colander
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet allows for even cooking of the ground beef and vegetables, ensuring great flavor development.
• Baking Dish: The right size baking dish helps achieve even layers in your casserole, leading to balanced flavor in every bite.
• Sieve or Colander: This tool is essential for drawing out moisture from the zucchini, preventing a watery casserole.

Ingredients

To make this delicious ground beef zucchini casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Meat

• 1 pound lean ground beef

Seasoning & Extras

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

1. Slice the zucchini into 1/2 rounds. Place them in a sieve or colander over the sink or bowl and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.
2. Let the salted zucchini sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Rinse well under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add diced onions and cook until they soften, about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned with no trace of pink, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Layering the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In an 8×8 baking dish, spread half of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom.
3. Layer half of the zucchini slices over the meat mixture followed by half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
4. Repeat these layers with the remaining ground beef mixture, zucchini slices, and mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
2. Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole!

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground beef zucchini casserole is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can pair it with various sides or enjoy it on its own. Below are some serving suggestions that complement the flavors of the casserole.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan cheese drizzled with Caesar dressing.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Garnish: Chopped fresh basil sprinkled on top enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor.
• Parsley Sprinkles: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild herbal taste.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread pairs well for dipping into the casserole.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can be served warm for a comforting side.

How to Perfect Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

To ensure your ground beef zucchini casserole turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Lean Meat: Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat while keeping the dish hearty.
• Salt Zucchini Properly: Salting and draining zucchini removes moisture, preventing a soggy casserole.
• Layer Ingredients Evenly: Distributing layers evenly ensures balanced flavors in every bite.
• Cover While Baking: Cover the casserole with foil initially to help the cheese melt before browning it.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps set the layers for easier serving.

Best Side Dishes for Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Pairing side dishes with your ground beef zucchini casserole can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli complements the richness of the casserole.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus with olive oil and roast until tender for a tasty side.
3. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with veggies adds texture and nutrition.
4. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole.
5. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: Creamy mashed cauliflower is a low-carb alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice flavored with herbs pairs nicely without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could impact your dish.

• Over-salting the zucchini: Sprinkling too much salt can lead to overly salty zucchini. Use just enough to draw out moisture, then rinse and pat dry.
• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the casserole to rest after baking can lead to a messy serving. Let it sit for 10 minutes to set properly before serving.
• Using low-quality ground beef: Choosing fatty or poor-quality beef could affect flavor and texture. Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier and tastier casserole.
• Not draining tomatoes: Failing to drain canned tomatoes can make your casserole watery. Always drain them well before adding to the mix.
• Neglecting cheese quality: Using pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that affect melt quality. Grate fresh mozzarella for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

• Freeze for up to 2 months in a well-sealed container or freezer bag.
• Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole.

Can I use other meats in my Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or chicken if you prefer a different flavor profile.

What if I have leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for later use.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is perfect for meal prepping as it reheats well and is filling.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses, and enjoy a wholesome meal that everyone will love!