Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
This comforting Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and easy one-pan meal, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Layers of seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese make for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced or cut into half-moons
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Spread half of the ground beef mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange half of the sliced zucchini over the beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Top with the remaining ground beef mixture, then arrange the remaining zucchini slices over it.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve this casserole with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving.