Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This family-friendly meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a low-carb, gluten-free dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Onion: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onion until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned evenly. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish less greasy.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Prepare Zucchini Layers: Salt the zucchini slices lightly and let them sit for about 15 minutes to reduce excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Layer Ingredients: Place half of the zucchini slices evenly in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread the seasoned beef mixture over the zucchini layer.
- Add Remaining Zucchini: Top the beef mixture with the remaining zucchini slices, arranging them evenly.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set for easier portions.
Notes
- Salting the zucchini slices and letting them sit helps reduce excess moisture, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
- You can add mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Leftover casserole reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
