Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for those busy weeknights. Made with layers of zucchini, ground beef, and a creamy tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is often used in Italian cuisine. It has a mild flavor and pairs well with various meats and sauces. In this casserole recipe, the zucchini serves as a low carb alternative to traditional pasta or white rice, making it a healthier option for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
This zucchini casserole recipe has a sauce that adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors of the beef and zucchini. It also helps to bind all the layers together, creating a cohesive and delicious casserole that is sure to please the whole family.
This zucchini and beef casserole is not only one of the simplest weeknight dinners but also my favorite way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet. With its combination of protein, healthy fats, and low-carb ingredients, it makes for pure keto comfort food that will leave you feeling satisfied without any guilt. So the next time you are in the mood for a meaty zucchini casserole, you will want to put this in your regular rotation of easy dinner recipes.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Here is a quick look at what you will need. You can find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Zucchini
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
This is a quick overview of the steps. See the Recipe card below for the rest.
Cook ground meat and onion until the ground beef is browned.
Stir the garlic. Add half of the marinara sauce as well as the seasoning
Combine zucchini with the ground beef mixture and stir until combined.
Spread half of the zucchini and meat sauce in the prepared casserole dish
Spread the remaining marinara over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese
Variations and Substitutions
- Spicy - For a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the meat sauce. You can also top the casserole with sliced jalapenos before baking.
- Gluten-free - Use gluten-free pasta sauce and make sure your seasonings are gluten-free as well. You can also substitute zucchini noodles for regular pasta if desired.
- Cheeses - Feel free to substitute or even add in your favorite type of shredded cheese such as sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack.
- Dairy-free - Omit the cheese altogether or use vegan cheese alternatives. Coconut milk can also be used in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free version of the marinara sauce.
- Low-carb - Replace the marinara sauce with a low-carb tomato or alfredo sauce. Use zucchini noodles instead of pasta and top with grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Make-ahead - This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Simply assemble all the ingredients in a baking dish and refrigerate until ready to bake. You can also freeze it for later use. Just be sure to thaw it completely before baking.
- Alternate Meats - Instead of ground beef, Use Italian Sausage, ground pork or even ground turkey.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- large skillet
- Spatula
Storage
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
Freezing: You can store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to 3 months
Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes.
Pro Tips
- You can make your own Marinara Sauce using tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, Basil, and Onions to control the amount of sugar added to your sauce.
- You can also add in some cooked vegetables like cauliflower rice, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for a more nutritious meal.
- To save time on clean up, line your baking dish with aluminum foil before adding in the ingredients. This makes for easier removal and less scrubbing.
- Add a dollop of Sour Cream to the top of the Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole for some added creaminess.
FAQ
Yes, frozen zucchini can be used in this dish. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the baking dish. You can even use a paper towel to soak up some excess water.
You can omit the ground beef and use a combination of vegetables, such as mushrooms, Green pepper, and onions, for a tasty vegetarian version. You may also want to add some extra protein with tofu or beans. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini lasagna ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just cover it with foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. It may also need a few extra minutes in the oven if baked straight from the fridge.
Yes, you can use fresh herbs in this dish for added flavor. You can chop them up and sprinkle them on top before baking or mix them in with the other ingredients before layering. Some great options include basil, oregano, thyme, and parsley. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste preferences since fresh herbs tend to be more potent than dried ones.
Recipe Card
Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
Equipment
- 9x13 inch casserole dish
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 24 oz marinara sauce, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ Onion
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 3 medium zucchinis shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat and onion until the ground beef is browned.
- Stir the garlic into the cooked beef. Drain excess fat and return the beef to the skillet. Add half of the marinara sauce as well as the seasonings. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine zucchini to the ground beef mixture and stir until combined.
- Spread half of the zucchini and meat sauce in the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle it with half of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers one time. Spread the remaining marinara over the top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Leave a Reply