Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious? Dive into the world of savory flavors with our Zucchini Casserole with Sausage—a mouthwatering blend of tender zucchini, flavorful Italian sausage, and gooey cheese that will have your family begging for seconds! This easy-to-make casserole not only packs a punch of taste but also brings a healthy twist to your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress. Keep reading to discover how to create this delectable masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the crumbled Italian sausage until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Break the sausage into small, uniform pieces while cooking.
- Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet using a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. Transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions in the remaining sausage fat until they become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Slice the zucchinis into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, sliced zucchini, shredded cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, firm zucchinis and high-quality Italian sausage. Fresh herbs can also enhance the dish significantly.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic in the sausage fat adds depth to the flavor. Make sure to cook them until they’re soft and fragrant before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- Uniform Slices: When slicing the zucchini, aim for uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or by using a different type of cheese for a unique twist.
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top before serving not only adds a pop of color but also freshens up the flavors.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be prepared in advance! Assemble it the night before, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
