Hearty Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort flows through every bite of this zucchini ground beef casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Layers of rich flavors meld together in a dish that speaks directly to hungry souls.

Tender zucchini and seasoned ground beef create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this casserole delivers a complete meal in a single pan.

Each forkful brings a delightful combination of savory meat and garden-fresh vegetables.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, adding a creamy touch that elevates the entire dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this hearty and satisfying recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Use For Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty flavor and essential protein for a satisfying main dish. Choose lean beef for healthier option and better texture.
• Onion, Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic foundation to the meat, enhancing overall taste profile. Select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum flavor.

• Zucchini: Introduces subtle sweetness, moisture, and nutritional boost. Pick firm, vibrant green zucchini without blemishes for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds smooth, rich undertone to the cooking process. Use extra virgin for superior taste and health benefits.

• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate and balance the entire dish. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates golden, crispy top layer and helps bind ingredients together. Opt for plain breadcrumbs to control overall seasoning.
• Eggs: Acts as crucial binding agent, holding casserole ingredients cohesively. Select fresh, room temperature eggs for better mixing.
• Cheese: Provides creamy texture and delightful golden crust. Shredded mozzarella or cheddar work wonderfully for melting properties.

Tools To Make Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Simple

• Large skillet: Essential for browning ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Perfect for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for breaking up beef and stirring ingredients.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise vegetable preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps To Build Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic.

• Brown the Meat

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet, breaking it into tiny pieces until it transforms into a rich, golden brown treasure.

• Boost the Flavor

Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and release their mouthwatering aroma for a couple of minutes.

• Layer the Goodness

Spread the beef mixture across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a savory foundation for the upcoming deliciousness.

• Zucchini Love

Slice zucchini into delicate rounds and arrange them like beautiful green tiles over the meat, creating a colorful landscape.

• Cheese Shower

Sprinkle a generous rainfall of cheese across the top, ensuring every inch gets some cheesy love.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the heated oven and let it bubble and brown for about 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, inviting blanket.

• Rest and Serve

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve this comfort food dream that’ll make everyone at the table cheer.

Flavorful Tips For Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

• Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the dish celiac-friendly.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gruyère for unique taste profiles.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap zucchini for cauliflower or use fewer carb-heavy ingredients to create a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Serve Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole With Ease

• Hearty Family Feast: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad topped with tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich beef and zucchini combination.
• Bread Buddy: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and add a comforting carbohydrate element to the dish.
• Veggie Companion: Add roasted seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus on the side to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful plate that delights both eyes and taste buds.
• Wine Pairing Delight: complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which enhance the beef's richness and provide a sophisticated dining experience.

Store Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole With Zero Stress

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap the cooled casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate unbaked for 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the original cooking time.
• Portion and Pack: Divide casserole into individual serving sizes in separate containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Label each container with the date and contents for organized meal planning.

Hearty Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Classic Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole brings hearty comfort to dinner tables with rich layers of seasoned meat and garden vegetables. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients combine in a simple, satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• Fresh parsley or basil
• Red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Meat Browning: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add ground beef, and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking it into crumbly pieces while developing rich caramelization.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until softened and fragrant, then drain excess fat to ensure a lean base.
4. Vegetable Integration: Fold sliced zucchini into the meat mixture, stirring gently to create a harmonious blend of protein and vegetables.
5. Cheese Mixture: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy, forming a luxurious binding sauce.
6. Layering: Spread the meat and zucchini mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then pour the cheese mixture over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Topping and Baking: Sprinkle additional shredded cheese across the surface and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top turns golden brown and edges become crisp.
8. Resting: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Levels: Pat zucchini dry with paper towels before adding to prevent excess liquid that could make the casserole watery and compromise the dish’s texture.
• Lean Meat Selection: Choose ground beef with 85% lean/15% fat ratio for optimal flavor and juiciness without creating excessive grease in the final dish.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese directly before adding to ensure maximum melting potential and smoother, more consistent coverage across the casserole’s surface.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional cheese mixture with cauliflower rice or add extra vegetables like bell peppers to increase nutritional value and reduce carbohydrate content for keto-friendly options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg