Sizzling Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and comforting, this zucchini ground beef casserole recipe delivers a perfect weeknight meal bursting with flavor.

Layers of tender zucchini blend seamlessly with savory seasoned meat, creating a delightful one-dish wonder.

Fresh vegetables and rich ground beef combine in a harmonious mix that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Melted cheese adds a golden, crispy topping that elevates every single bite.

The dish comes together quickly with simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries.

Packed with protein and vegetables, this casserole offers a balanced and delicious dinner solution.

Prepare to savor every mouthwatering forkful of this irresistible meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole: Comfort Features

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from ground beef and quinoa, plus zucchini's vitamins, this casserole delivers a powerhouse of healthy ingredients in one delicious dish.
• Simplify Meal Prep: One-pan cooking method reduces kitchen cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey or add extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your family's needs.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort: Cheesy texture and familiar flavors make this casserole a crowd-pleaser that gets even picky eaters excited about eating their vegetables.

All the Ingredients for Zucchini Beef Casserole

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the casserole.
• Quinoa: A nutritious grain that adds protein and substance to the dish.

• Zucchini, Onions, Diced Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add moisture, texture, and nutritional value to the casserole.
• Tomato Sauce: Creates a rich, savory base that helps bind the ingredients together.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a creamy, golden topping for the casserole.
• Salt, Other Seasonings: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish and balance the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Provides a light cooking fat and helps prevent sticking during preparation.

Easy Steps for Zucchini and Beef Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F.

Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

If quinoa isn’t already cooked, prepare it now.

Step 2: Sizzle the Meat

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in ground beef and diced onions.

Sprinkle with a dash of salt.

Let the meat dance and brown for about 5 minutes until it’s beautifully caramelized.

Slide the meaty mixture into your casserole dish.

Step 3: Veggie Magic

Using the same pan, splash in remaining oil.

Add zucchini and remaining salt.

Cover and let the veggies soften for 5 minutes.

Pour in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, stirring gently.

Step 4: Mix and Mingle

• Cooked quinoa
• Zucchini mixture
• Seasonings
• First portion of mozzarella

Fold everything together until well combined.

Spread evenly in the baking dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

Slide into the oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Switch to broil for 2-5 minutes to create a golden, bubbly cheese crust.

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for maximum flavor and easier cutting.

Tips for Flavorful, Hearty Casserole

• Choose ground beef with lower fat content (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess grease and make the dish healthier without compromising flavor.
• Pat zucchini with paper towels to remove extra water, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Enhance the dish by adding minced garlic or a splash of Worcestershire sauce during meat browning for extra richness and complexity.
• Easily substitute zucchini with yellow squash or bell peppers for variety while maintaining similar cooking techniques and moisture levels.
• Prepare casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready. Cover with foil to prevent cheese from over-browning during reheating.

Casserole Variations with Fresh Veggies

• Vegetarian Zucchini Quinoa Bake: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute quinoa with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrates and add extra nutrients.
• Mediterranean-Style Casserole: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern spin.

Ways to Serve Zucchini Casserole

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love.
• Protein-Packed Side Option: Pair with Greek yogurt or a dollop of sour cream to add extra creaminess and boost protein content.
• Bread Companion: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and complete the meal.
• Weekend Meal Prep Star: Store leftovers in individual containers for quick lunches or freeze portions for busy weeknight dinners that reheat perfectly.

Best Storage for Ground Beef Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to prevent drying out.
• Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain its texture. Always use clean utensils when serving to extend the dish's shelf life.

FAQs

• Is quinoa necessary for this recipe?

Quinoa adds protein and nutrients, but you can substitute with rice or another grain if preferred.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean protein alternative that maintains the dish’s flavor profile.

• How do I prevent zucchini from becoming mushy?

Cook zucchini covered for exactly 5 minutes and avoid overcooking to maintain its texture and prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have mozzarella cheese?

Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend are excellent substitutes that will still provide great melting and flavor for the casserole.

Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty zucchini ground beef casserole blends savory comfort with fresh garden vegetables in a delightful one-pan meal. Melted cheese and herb-infused layers promise a satisfying dinner that brings warmth and flavor to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 medium zucchinis (1.5–2 pounds), chopped into bite-size pieces
• 3 cups cooked quinoa (from 1 cup dried)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 (14.5 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of grease. If needed, cook quinoa in advance.
2. In a skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté ground beef with onions, using half the salt, until the meat browns and crumbles, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the meat mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
3. Using the same skillet, add remaining oil and cook zucchini with the remaining salt, covering the pan. Simmer for 5 minutes until vegetables soften. Incorporate tomato sauce and drained diced tomatoes into the zucchini.
4. Blend the cooked quinoa, zucchini mixture, seasonings, and one cup of mozzarella cheese into the casserole dish. Gently fold ingredients together to ensure even distribution and create a uniform mixture.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the top of the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes, then activate the broiler to create a golden, crispy cheese topping for 2-5 minutes. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set and enhance flavor melding.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or beyond meat for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
• Drain zucchini thoroughly before cooking to prevent excess moisture making the casserole watery and ensuring a perfect texture.
• Add extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano to boost flavor complexity and create a more aromatic dish that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Customize cheese options by using dairy-free cheese or mixing different cheese varieties like cheddar and parmesan for richer, more nuanced flavor combinations.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg