Description
A flavorful layered casserole with ground beef, fresh zucchini, tomatoes, and melted cheese—perfect for using summer zucchini bounty or a weeknight family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15 lean/fat)
- 3 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 lbs), sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (or 2 fresh tomatoes)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Brown beef: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in skillet. Cook ground beef until no pink remains. Drain fat and set aside.
- Sauté veggies: In same skillet, add remaining oil. Cook onions 3 mins until soft. Add garlic, cook 30 secs until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 mins. Return beef to skillet.
- Layer casserole: Arrange half the zucchini slices in baking dish. Top with half the beef mixture, then 1 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan over top layer.
- Bake: Cover with foil, bake 30 mins. Uncover, bake 15-20 mins more until zucchini is tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Rest & serve: Let stand 10 mins. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- For lower carbs: Substitute 1/2 the zucchini with eggplant slices.
- Make ahead: Assemble unbaked casserole, refrigerate up to 24 hours (add 10 mins baking time).
- Freezing: Freeze baked casserole for up to 3 months (thaw before reheating).
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg