Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary superhero. Imagine a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece emerging from your oven, with layers of savory ground beef and tender zucchini that would make any vegetable lover swoon. The aroma alone is enough to make your neighbors suspicious of culinary wizardry happening in your kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this Salsa Chicken Crockpot recipe.
This delightful casserole isn’t just about looking good; it’s a memory maker too. Picture this: a chilly evening, friends gathered around the table, laughter echoing as the first bite sends everyone into blissful silence. cozy ground beef orzo recipe Yes, that’s the magic of Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings where you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free
- The flavor blends create a comforting experience for everyone at the table
- With its vibrant layers and gooey cheese, it’s visually stunning on any dinner plate
- Versatile enough for meal prep or serving guests at a potluck, this dish is always a hit
One time, I made this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for my family reunion, and let me tell you—the dish disappeared faster than I could say “seconds!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease while maintaining flavor.
Zucchini: Select firm zucchinis; they should be glossy and free from blemishes for the best texture.
Onion: A sweet onion adds depth; chop finely to blend seamlessly into the casserole.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they provide aromatic magic that transforms this dish.
Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for an extra kick of flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully, creating a gooey topping everyone will love.
Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs like basil and oregano enhances the overall taste profile.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these staples—they’re key to bringing out all the flavors!
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that extra crunch on top, panko gives your casserole a delightful contrast in texture.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Start with Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grab a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Add the Beef: Toss in your ground beef into the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned—about 7-10 minutes—making sure it’s cooked all the way through.
Mix in Garlic and Zucchini: Stir in minced garlic along with sliced zucchini, cooking until they soften slightly—this should take about 5 minutes. The combination will smell heavenly!
Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in tomato sauce along with Italian seasoning while stirring well. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes so all those flavors meld beautifully together.
Layer Your Casserole Dish: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the beef-zucchini mixture first. Then sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese over it before adding the remaining mixture on top.
Add Topping and Bake!: Top everything with more cheese followed by panko breadcrumbs for that crunchy finish! Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly—your kitchen will smell divine!
Now that you’ve got all these steps down pat, get ready to dig into a warm slice of comfort food heaven! Enjoy every cheesy bite of your Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! comforting hamburger potato casserole. comforting chili recipe cheesy steak rice delight. For more inspiration, check out this Instant Pot Beef Stew Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- Ground beef zucchini casserole is a go-to dish for busy weeknights
- It combines wholesome ingredients and layers of flavor, making it a family favorite
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking when dinner is ready
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef first, then sauté the zucchini and combine everything in a baking dish for optimal flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or add different veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For a creamier casserole, add ricotta or cottage cheese before baking
- Consider seasoning with garlic powder and Italian herbs for deeper flavor
- Avoid overcooking the zucchini to maintain its texture and nutrients
It’s amazing how this dish turned into a family tradition! The first time I made it, my kids devoured every bite, declaring it “the best dinner ever.”
FAQ
Can I use frozen zucchini in my ground beef zucchini casserole?
Frozen zucchini can make your casserole watery; fresh is best for optimal texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done cooking?
Bake until bubbly and golden brown on top, about 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate; just bake before serving!
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together layers of savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and gooey cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, leaving everyone at the table craving seconds. With its delicious aroma and vibrant presentation, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small sweet onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until translucent.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart and cooking until browned (7-10 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and sliced zucchini; cook for about 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Mix in tomato sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the beef-zucchini mixture followed by half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Top with the remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (200g)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added creaminess, incorporate ricotta or cottage cheese before baking. Feel free to substitute ground beef with turkey or add veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.