Laura Mariano
Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole – Comforting, Easy & Healthy
Enjoy this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole, a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, fresh zucchini, and melted cheese in one easy-to-make meal. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or meal prep, it’s both comforting and packed with veggies.
Equipment
- Skillet for browning beef and sautéing vegetables
- 9x13-inch casserole dish or oven-safe baking dish
- Mixing bowls, spatula, and wooden spoon
- Grater (for cheese)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Aluminum foil (for covering while baking)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika or Italian herbs (optional)
- Optional: bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and brown completely; season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or herbs. Drain excess fat.
- Slice zucchini and any optional vegetables. Lightly sauté zucchini to reduce moisture or pat dry if raw.
- Mix sauce with optional seasonings. Taste and adjust for flavor.
- Layer casserole: start with a thin layer of sauce, then half the beef, half the zucchini, and half the cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top. Optionally, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Cover with foil and bake 20–25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 5–10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top.
- Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set layers and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh.
- Freezing: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for 2–3 months; thaw before baking.
- Cheese swaps: Use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for flavor variations.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or carrots can be added for extra nutrition.
- Prevent watery casserole: Sauté zucchini lightly or salt and pat dry before layering.
- Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) to retain moisture.
