Hearty Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea 🥘🍅

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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
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Looking for a hearty, healthy, and delicious dinner that the whole family will love? This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is packed with protein, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese—perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep!

Introduction: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole straight from the oven. This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy a low-carb ground beef casserole that’s both nutritious and satisfying. With layers of tender zucchini, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce, every bite is bursting with flavor.

This dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prep because it’s easy to make ahead and reheats beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies—even picky eaters won’t resist the cheesy goodness!

Whether you call it a cheesy zucchini and beef bake or baked zucchini boats, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The combination of quinoa (for extra protein), creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella makes it a complete meal in one dish.

Alternate Names & Variations

This dish goes by many names, so if you’re searching for something similar, try:
– Cheesy Zucchini and Beef Bake
– Low-Carb Ground Beef Casserole
– Baked Zucchini Boats (if using hollowed-out zucchini halves)

Variation Idea: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor twist!

Ingredients: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

  • – 1 cup dry quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
  • – 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • – 1 lb lean ground beef
  • – 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • – 1 cup yellow cooking onion, diced
  • – 6 zucchinis (approx. 2 lbs), sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • – Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • – 2 cups low-sugar tomato sauce (marinara sauce)
  • – 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • – ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • – 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • – 1 cup cottage cheese (ricotta cheese will also work)
  • – 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • – 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • – Fresh basil, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil.

2. Cook the Quinoa: Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Set aside.

3. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

4. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened (3-4 minutes).

5. Season & Simmer: Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.

6. Layer the Casserole:
– Spread cooked quinoa at the bottom of the baking dish.
– Layer zucchini rounds evenly over the quinoa.
– Spoon the beef mixture on top.
– Dollop cottage cheese over the beef.
– Sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.

7. Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

8. Garnish & Serve: Top with fresh basil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip: Pat zucchini dry with a paper towel before layering to prevent excess moisture.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 6 | Calories: ~380 per serving

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Perfect Texture: The quinoa absorbs excess liquid, preventing a soggy casserole.
– Protein-Packed: Lean beef and cottage cheese add a protein boost.
– Low-Carb Option: Skip the quinoa for a true low-carb ground beef casserole.
– Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble ahead and bake when ready—great for meal prep!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
– Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
– Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

People Also Ask: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Do you have to peel zucchini for a casserole?

No, zucchini skin is tender and packed with nutrients. Just wash and slice—no peeling needed!

How do you keep zucchini casserole from being watery?

Salting zucchini slices and letting them sit for 10 minutes helps draw out moisture. Pat dry before baking.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage work well. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Can this casserole be made ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes if baking cold.

Conclusion: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, cheesy comfort food with a healthy twist. It’s easy, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.

Did you make this recipe? Tag us on social media and share your delicious results!

You Might Also Like:

– Ultimate Beef Lasagna Recipe 🍝 | Easy & Cheesy Family Dinner Idea!
– Easy Mexican Keto Ground Beef Casserole | Low-Carb, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food!
– Taco Stuffed Zucchini Boats: The Best Low-Carb Taco Twist
– Easy Air Fryer Ground Beef Recipe – Quick & Crispy Dinner Idea!

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Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, and healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! 🍽️🧀

Print
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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A cozy, layered casserole packed with seasoned ground beef, fresh zucchini, and cheesy goodness—perfect for family dinners or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onions until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate bowl, mix sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and half the cheddar cheese.
  7. Lightly grease a baking dish and layer half the zucchini slices on the bottom.
  8. Spoon half the meat mixture over the zucchini.
  9. Spread half the cheese mixture over the meat.
  10. Repeat layers with remaining zucchini, meat, and cheese mixture.
  11. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
  12. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  14. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for mozzarella. Leftovers reheat beautifully!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: zucchini casserole, ground beef dinner, low carb bake, family casserole