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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal baking conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold sliced zucchini into the meat mixture, stirring gently to create a harmonious blend of protein and vegetables.
- Cheese Mixture: Whisk cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy, forming a luxurious binding sauce.
- Layering: Spread the meat and zucchini mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, then pour the cheese mixture over the top, ensuring complete coverage.
- 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.
- 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