Zucchini Pizza Casserole – Cheesy, Savory & Low-Carb

The Comfort of Zucchini Pizza Casserole

There’s nothing quite like the cozy, cheesy comfort of a Zucchini Pizza Casserole. Imagine all the flavors of your favorite pizza—rich tomato sauce, gooey melted cheese, and savory toppings—layered over tender zucchini instead of traditional dough. It’s a lighter, veggie-forward take on a classic, perfect for anyone seeking a healthier spin without sacrificing flavor.

This casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners when time is tight, for meal prep that can last throughout the week, or for family-friendly meals where both kids and adults can enjoy a serving of vegetables without complaint. Its flexibility means you can add favorite toppings, swap proteins, or make it completely vegetarian.

What makes this dish especially appealing is how approachable it is: minimal prep, a single baking dish, and the ability to assemble ahead of time. The combination of tender zucchini, savory sauce, melted cheese, and a crisp, golden top delivers comfort food vibes with a nutritional boost. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare zucchini properly to avoid excess moisture, layer your ingredients for the best texture, and bake a bubbling, golden casserole that tastes like pizza night magic.

What Is Zucchini Pizza Casserole?

Zucchini Pizza Casserole is essentially a pizza-inspired dish without the traditional crust. It combines fresh zucchini with tomato sauce, cheese, and pizza-style toppings, either layered or mixed together, and baked until bubbly and golden.

The casserole is part of a broader trend toward low-carb and vegetable-forward adaptations of comfort foods, allowing pizza lovers to enjoy the flavors they love while sneaking in extra nutrients. Zucchini is particularly ideal because of its mild flavor, moisture retention, and ability to absorb the taste of seasonings and sauce. It also provides fiber, vitamins, and a lightness that balances the richness of cheese and proteins in the dish.

Whether served as a main course for dinner, portioned for meal prep, or shared at gatherings, this casserole is a versatile way to enjoy pizza flavors in a healthier, vegetable-packed format.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

Understanding the ingredients ensures a flavorful, well-textured casserole:

• Zucchini: Can be sliced into rounds, grated, or roasted. Grating is quick and integrates well, but slices offer more texture. Salting zucchini before baking draws out excess water, preventing a soggy casserole.

• Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, parmesan adds savory depth, and ricotta provides creaminess. Combining cheeses balances flavor and texture.

• Tomato sauce: Homemade offers control over sweetness and seasoning; store-bought works for convenience. Add garlic, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to elevate flavor.

• Protein options: Ground sausage, chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives can add heartiness. Cook beforehand to remove excess moisture and render fat.

• Toppings: Mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, and pepperoni allow for customization. Layer evenly for consistent flavor distribution.

• Seasonings: Italian herbs, garlic powder, oregano, and crushed red pepper create depth and enhance the pizza profile.

Tip: Salting zucchini and draining before assembling prevents watery layers, ensuring the casserole sets nicely and slices cleanly.

Equipment & Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish or casserole pan: Ideal size for even baking.

• Mixing bowls & spatula: For combining ingredients and layering.

• Chef’s knife & cutting board: For chopping vegetables and toppings.

• Grater: For zucchini and cheese to ensure even melting.

• Aluminum foil (optional): To cover the casserole while baking, preventing over-browning.

Optional: oven mitts, cooling rack, and small bowls for prepping toppings in advance to streamline assembly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare zucchini
Slice, grate, or roast zucchini as preferred. If slicing or grating, place in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10–15 minutes. Pat dry to remove excess moisture. This prevents a soggy casserole and keeps layers intact.

Step 2: Cook protein (if using)
Brown ground sausage, chicken, or plant-based meat in a skillet. Drain any excess fat and season lightly with Italian herbs or garlic powder. Set aside to cool slightly before layering.

Step 3: Layer the casserole

• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

• Add a layer of zucchini, then a layer of protein if using.

• Sprinkle with a mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and/or ricotta.

• Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese topping.

• Add optional toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives) evenly on top.

Step 4: Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover with aluminum foil for the first 20–25 minutes to retain moisture, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Broil (optional)
For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.

Step 6: Cool and serve
Allow casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps layers set and makes serving cleaner. Serve warm, optionally with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra parmesan.

Pro tip: For meal prep, portion into airtight containers once cooled and refrigerate up to 4 days, reheating in the oven or microwave.

Flavor Variations & Creative Twists