Ground Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This Ground Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining lean ground beef with fresh zucchini and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a flavorful and easy-to-make casserole that balances protein, vegetables, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup canned low-sodium tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cooked pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the casserole later.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it turns brown and is no longer pink, then drain the excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until they become fragrant and translucent, enhancing the flavor base.
- Add Vegetables and Sauce: Stir in the diced zucchini, canned tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors and soften the zucchini slightly.
- Layer Casserole: In a baking dish, spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining mixture and cheese. If using, you can mix the cooked pasta into the meat mixture before layering.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce fat content, making this dish healthier.
- Optional cooked pasta can add carb content and make the dish more filling.
- Low-sodium tomato sauce keeps sodium levels in check; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or a cheese blend for varied flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
Keywords: ground beef casserole, zucchini casserole, baked casserole, easy family dinner, low sodium recipe
