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Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 30 reviews

This Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful dish combining ground beef, cheesy layers, and tender zucchini slices baked to perfection. Ideal for a comforting family meal, this casserole balances the richness of meat and cheese with the freshness of zucchini, all brought together with Italian seasoning.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat Mixture

  • Olive oil (enough to coat the pan)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 12 ounces pasta sauce (approximately half a standard jar)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese

Cheese and Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 medium zucchinis (8-10 inches long), sliced 1/8-1/4 inch thick
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Beef and Onions: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onions, spreading the beef evenly. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the bottom browns, then flip and continue cooking with occasional stirring until beef is fully browned and onions are soft, about 5-6 more minutes. Drain excess oil, then season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Add Sauce and Cottage Cheese: Stir the pasta sauce and cottage cheese into the cooked beef mixture. Heat through for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors well. Transfer this mixture evenly into a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish.
  4. Layer Cheese and Zucchini: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meat mixture. Arrange zucchini slices on top in a single layer. Season zucchini with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
  5. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top begins to brown and crisp.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for better browning and flavor on the beef.
  • For a lighter version, substitute part of the ground beef with lean turkey.
  • You can swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture.
  • Feel free to add extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano for enhanced flavor.
  • If you prefer, thinly slice zucchini with a mandoline for uniform thickness.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/zucchini-casserole-with-ground-beef-and-cheese-recipe/