Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole

Discover the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition with this Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole, a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s both low-carb and irresistibly cheesy. Layers of tender zucchini slices are nestled between a rich and flavorful ground beef mixture simmered with garlic, onions, diced tomatoes, and a medley of Italian seasonings. Topped with a melty duo of mozzarella and Parmesan, this baked casserole comes together in under an hour and boasts a golden, bubbly finish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it offers a satisfying, wholesome alternative to traditional pasta-based casseroles. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm to enjoy the full depth of its savory flavors!

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 14 ounces diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash the zucchini thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. Set aside.

Step 3

Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

Step 6

Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

Add the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop the flavors.

Step 8

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sliced zucchini on the bottom.

Step 9

Spread half of the beef and tomato mixture over the zucchini slices.

Step 10

Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer.

Step 11

Repeat the layers: add the remaining zucchini slices, the rest of the beef mixture, and then top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 12

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 13

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the zucchini is tender.

Step 14

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Step 15

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2036.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2394.2

Total Fat 160.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 461.5mg	0%
Sodium 12430.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 100.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.3g	0%
Total Sugars 73.3g
Protein 149.4g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2019.1mg	0%
Iron 14.6mg	0%
Potassium 4118.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 24.5%

Carbs: 16.5%