Cheesy Beef and Zucchini Casserole: A Healthy, Easy Dinner

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Looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying? This Cheesy Zucchini Casserole is the perfect choice! Packed with savory ground beef, fresh zucchini, and melty mozzarella, it’s a great addition to your rotation of Ground Beef Casserole Recipes. Whether you’re after easy zucchini recipes for a weeknight meal or craving a flavorful twist on traditional casseroles, this dish delivers. The combination of tender zucchini, hearty ground beef, and tangy marinara sauce makes it an irresistible option for Zucchini Dinner Recipes. Plus, with its healthy ingredients and quick prep time, this Zucchini Casserole Recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Let’s dive into this simple, tasty recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Helpful Notes for the Beef and Zucchini Casserole Recipe:

1. Zucchini Slicing Tip: Slice the zucchini evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly. If you prefer a softer texture, you can lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out excess moisture before using them in the casserole.
2. Ground Beef Options: Feel free to use lean ground turkey or ground chicken as a healthier alternative to ground beef. You can also opt for a higher-fat ground beef for a richer flavor.
3. Cheese Variations: Mozzarella is the go-to cheese for this recipe, but you can switch it up with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or a blend for a different flavor profile.
4. Make It Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
5. Add More Veggies: If you’d like to increase the veggie content, try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
6. Leftovers: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes nicely for up to 3 months—just reheat in the oven until bubbly and heated through.
7. Serving Suggestions: This casserole pairs perfectly with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
8. Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat, while extra garlic or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor.

What you will need:

ground beef, onion, garlic, marinara sauce, seasonings, zucchini, cheese, parsley

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep time:10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes total
• Down time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef 
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, to garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees, and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Dice your onion and slice the zucchinis.
3. Add the ground beef to a large skillet, and cook over medium heat, until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
4. Add the onion and garlic, and continue cooking for about a minute. Stir the sauce and seasonings into the meat mixture. Set aside.
5. Arrange the zucchini slices in rows in a 9×13 inch casserole dish, slightly overlapping each other.
6. Pour the meat and sauce over the zucchini, then sprinkle with mozzarella.
7. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes..
8. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, and allow the casserole to stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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Did you try this recipe? Share your experience below in the comment section!

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