Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe
A hearty and comforting Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole featuring ground beef, fresh zucchinis, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole combines protein and vegetables in a savory Italian-seasoned dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned throughout, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables & Seasoning: Stir in the sliced zucchinis, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes to allow the zucchini to soften slightly and flavors to meld.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Move the beef and vegetable mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese & Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese uniformly over the top of the mixture. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown on top.
- Cool & Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool slightly before serving to enjoy the flavors at their best.
Notes
- Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for more flavor and texture.
- You can use low-fat cheese or skip the breadcrumbs for a lighter version.
- Great served with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of the casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesy beef casserole, zucchini casserole, ground beef recipe, baked casserole, easy dinner, Italian seasoning casserole
