Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

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Introduction

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese. With layers of flavor from Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes, this comforting dish is easy to make and sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner option or just a tasty baked meal, this casserole delivers big on taste and texture.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  3. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in the sliced zucchini, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
  5. Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Variations

  1. Low-Carb Version – Skip the breadcrumbs entirely or replace them with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a crispy, keto-friendly topping. This keeps the dish hearty without adding unnecessary carbs.
  2. Spicy Twist – Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture for a bit of heat. A sprinkle of pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella will add an extra spicy kick.
  3. Protein Swap – Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner alternative. If using turkey, consider adding a bit more seasoning since it has a milder flavor.
  4. Creamier Casserole – Mix in ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef and zucchini mixture before baking. This will make the casserole extra rich and creamy while balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
  5. Mediterranean-Inspired – Add black olives, feta cheese, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean twist. Serve with a side of tzatziki or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Notes

  1. For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs.
  2. Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  3. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  4. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Pair with a Fresh Salad – Serve this casserole with a crisp side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness and balance to the rich flavors. A simple balsamic dressing complements the cheesy goodness beautifully.
  2. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – A side of warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce from the casserole. If you want a lighter option, try toasted whole-grain bread with a drizzle of olive oil.
  3. Roasted or Steamed Veggies – A side of roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans adds extra nutrients and a pop of color to the meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top ties everything together.

Tips

  1. Let the Casserole Rest Before Serving – Once baked, let the casserole sit for at least 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the cheese to set and prevents it from falling apart when serving.
  2. Use a High-Quality Cheese Blend – For the best flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. You can also experiment with Gruyère or Parmesan for extra depth. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that may affect melting, so freshly grated cheese is best.
  3. Make It Ahead for Meal Prep – This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Assemble it a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it when needed. It also freezes well—simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
  4. Customize the Texture with Breadcrumbs – If you love a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese before baking. For a gluten-free version, use crushed gluten-free crackers or panko.
  5. Double the Recipe for Leftovers – If you love leftovers, double the recipe and bake it in two smaller dishes. One can be eaten fresh, while the other can be frozen for a quick and easy dinner later in the week.

Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Sodium: 580mg

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
    Yes! Yellow squash works just as well as zucchini in this recipe. The texture and flavor are similar, so you won’t need to make any adjustments. Just slice it the same way and follow the instructions as written.

  2. How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?
    Zucchini naturally contains a lot of water, so make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well and lightly salt the zucchini slices before adding them to the casserole. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with a paper towel.

  3. Can I freeze this casserole?
    Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

  4. What other cheeses can I use?
    While cheddar and mozzarella create a great balance of flavor and texture, you can experiment with Parmesan, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even smoked gouda for a unique twist. If you prefer a creamier texture, mixing in some cream cheese or ricotta is a great option.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that combines hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese into a flavorful, satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize, meal-prep friendly, and great for family dinners. Whether you’re keeping it low-carb or adding a crunchy topping, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Try it tonight and let us know your favorite variations!

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Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese. With layers of flavor from Italian seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes, this comforting dish is easy to make and sure to be a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner option or just a tasty baked meal, this casserole delivers big on taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in the sliced zucchini, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
  • Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs.
  • Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: cheesy zucchini casserole, ground beef casserole, zucchini bake, beef and zucchini recipe

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