If you’re craving cozy comfort food that’s both wholesome and bursting with flavor, this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole will absolutely win your heart. With layers of tender zucchini, juicy beef, fresh aromatics, and melty cheese, it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a vibrant and satisfying meal you’ll make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Friendly: With a quick prep time and just one main pan, this casserole is super manageable even on busy evenings.
- Loaded with Flavor: Every bite is packed with juicy ground beef, tangy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and that signature herby zest from Italian seasoning.
- Wholesome Comfort: Zucchini adds freshness and lightness to a classic, hearty casserole, making it feel both cozy and nourishing.
- Naturally Lower Carb: No noodles means this casserole is perfect for anyone watching their carb intake—without sacrificing satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole so lovable is how it comes together with everyday ingredients that truly shine together. Each addition brings its own unique touch—tender veggies, savory beef, bright seasonings, and plenty of gooey cheese to top it off.
- Zucchini: The natural juiciness and subtle flavor of zucchini create a fresh, veggie-packed base—don’t skip the salting step to keep the casserole firm and never soggy.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps caramelize the onions for a sweeter, more rounded flavor.
- Onion: Finely diced onion brings a savory foundation and a touch of natural sweetness, balancing the heartier flavors.
- Garlic: Just two cloves provide all the aromatic punch needed—never underestimate freshly minced garlic!
- Lean ground beef: Choose a lean cut to keep the casserole from becoming greasy, making it meaty but not heavy.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that amps up flavor and gives the casserole its comforting, homestyle profile.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasonings that lift all the other flavors and ensure every bite is deliciously balanced.
- Canned diced tomatoes (drained): The tangy, juicy acidity of tomatoes ties all the other ingredients together for sauciness without excess liquid.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty, golden cheese is the best part—a bubbly, cheesy blanket that makes this casserole irresistible.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is how easy it is to personalize. You can tweak it for what’s in your fridge, make it carb- or dairy-friendly, or just jazz it up for your family’s cravings—don’t be shy about swapping or adding!
- Make it a veggie medley: Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach to the onions for extra color and veggie goodness.
- Swap the cheese: Try Monterey Jack for a meltier bite, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for zing, or even a layer of parmesan on top for a crispy, golden finish.
- Ground turkey or chicken: Easily lighten things up by replacing beef with another ground meat—just watch the seasoning, as milder meats need a little more oomph.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes, a pinch of smoked paprika, or even a handful of sliced olives for a Mediterranean twist.
How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Slice your zucchini into half-inch rounds and toss them in salt in a colander. Giving the zucchini a short rest helps draw out moisture, so your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole isn’t watery once baked. Don’t forget to rinse the slices well and pat them dry—you want every bite to be hearty, not soggy!
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
Warm olive oil in a skillet, sauté the onions until just soft, then add garlic and your ground beef, breaking it up and stirring frequently. Once the beef is browned and cooked through, stir in drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove from the heat and let all those classic flavors mingle.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Preheat your oven. Now, in a baking dish, spoon half the beef mixture and spread it out. Top with half your salted zucchini slices, then a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. Repeat for the second layer—think of it like building edible lasagna, but lighter and fresher.
Step 4: Bake and Rest
Bake the casserole until it’s bubbling and the cheese is golden in spots—about 20 to 25 minutes. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving so the layers can set. This wait is tough, but it’s oh-so-worth it for gorgeous, scoopable slices!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
- Moisture Management: Always salt and drain your zucchini thoroughly—this prevents a watery casserole and keeps each layer distinct.
- Cheese Layering Magic: For that crave-worthy cheese pull, save a little extra mozzarella for the top and add it in the last 5 minutes for the perfect bubbly finish.
- Tomato Drain Game: Be sure your diced tomatoes are well-drained; too much liquid will make the casserole soupy instead of thick and luscious.
- Make-Ahead Set Up: You can prep the beef, tomato, and veggie layers ahead—just assemble and bake when you’re ready for a zero-stress meal.
How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Garnishes
I like to top each square with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a little herby brightness. For extra indulgence, a light dusting of parmesan cheese just before serving adds that savory edge and an irresistible aroma.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it plays beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. If you want to stretch your spread, offer a crusty loaf of bread to mop up all those saucy, cheesy bits left on the plate!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, bake the Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own bubbly, golden portion! Or, use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a fun twist that’s both party-friendly and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually get even better as the casserole sits and everything melds together!
Freezing
This casserole freezes very well—just assemble, bake, and allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly or portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave for quick lunches, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until bubbling and hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, cover it loosely with foil to preserve that cheesy top layer.
FAQs
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Can I assemble the Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and layer the uncooked casserole, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes it a breeze to pop in the oven right before dinner—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.
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Will my casserole be watery because of the zucchini?
If you follow the key step of salting and draining the zucchini, your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole will be perfectly set, not watery. Don’t skip patting those slices dry for best results.
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Can I make this dairy-free or lower in fat?
Absolutely—use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese for a vegan-friendly version, or simply reduce the cheese amount for a lighter option. The casserole is flexible and still delicious!
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Is Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole gluten-free?
The classic version is naturally gluten-free since there are no noodles or breadcrumbs—just check your labels for any hidden gluten in packaged items.
Final Thoughts
When you want a meal that feels like a warm, cheesy hug but is still full of nourishing veggies and hearty protein, you can’t go wrong with Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. Give it a try—you might just find yourself adding it to your regular rotation and sharing the secret with your closest friends. Enjoy every saucy, melty bite!
Print
Zesty Zucchini Beef Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines lean ground beef, zucchini, tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 28–ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Slice the zucchini and salt it to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
- Sauté Onion and Beef: In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and ground beef until browned.
- Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the beef mixture, zucchini slices, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
