Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the hearty richness of ground beef with the fresh, light texture of zucchini? Look no further! This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. Imagine a perfect blend of juicy beef, tender zucchini, melted mozzarella, and a savory marinara sauce – all baked to golden perfection in one irresistible dish that's both comforting and surprisingly nutritious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add diced onions to the beef and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the beef and onion mixture, stirring to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Slice zucchinis into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Layer half of the zucchini slices across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
- Spread the cooked ground beef and onion mixture over the zucchini layer, creating an even distribution.
- Pour marinara sauce over the beef, ensuring complete coverage.
- Add the remaining zucchini slices on top of the beef and sauce layer.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive cheese browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, removing the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow cheese to melt and slightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Tips
- Zucchini Moisture Control: To prevent a watery casserole, lightly salt your zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes before layering. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Beef Browning Technique: Ensure your ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled. Use a high heat initially to create a nice sear, then reduce heat to finish cooking.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For the perfect cheese topping, add the cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning while achieving a beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Flavor Boosters: Experiment with additional seasonings like Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to elevate the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier. This also helps the flavors meld together perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 323kcal
Carbohydrates: 9g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 80mg
