Amazing Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole for Delicious Comfort

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a delightful symphony of flavors, where savory ground beef meets tender zucchini in a warm embrace of melted cheese. The aroma wafting from your oven will have your neighbors knocking at your door, asking if they can come over for dinner—don’t say I didn’t warn you! delicious chicken casserole. BBQ chicken rice bowls. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes.

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Picture this: a cozy family gathering where everyone is diving into their plates, and the laughter is just as abundant as the flavors. This dish is perfect for those chilly nights when you want something hearty but also healthy. It’s like giving your comfort food a makeover—who knew being delicious could be this nutritious?

I remember one evening when I served this casserole at a family reunion. My cousin, who claimed he didn’t like vegetables, went back for thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds moisture and nutrition; look for firm ones without blemishes.
• Onion: A medium onion will provide sweetness and depth; chop it finely for even cooking. For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the flavor profile; don’t skimp on this aromatic gem.
• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheddar for excellent melting quality; it brings everything together beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs adds robust flavor; feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
• Tomato Sauce: Use a good-quality tomato sauce to enhance the dish’s richness and moisture. fresh cucumber tomato salad.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping; toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preparation Phase: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish lightly with nonstick spray. Prepare all your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.

Sautéing the Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and toss in the chopped onion. Cook until it’s translucent and fragrant—this should take about 5 minutes.

Browning the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet next. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink—about 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as you cook!

Incorporating Zucchini and Tomato Sauce: Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in sliced zucchini and tomato sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so those flavors can mingle beautifully.

Topping with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle generously with cheddar cheese followed by panko breadcrumbs on top for that lovely crunch.

Baking Time!: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!

Serve hot from the oven and watch as everyone digs in with enthusiasm! Enjoy every bite of this scrumptious Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole—a true crowd-pleaser that will have them asking for seconds! teriyaki ground turkey recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by browning the ground beef, then layer in zucchini and sauce before baking everything together for optimal flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap zucchini for other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms, and experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of family dinners where everyone would gather around the table happily devouring every last bite.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in the casserole?

Yes, ground turkey works well and offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.

How do I make my casserole more flavorful?

Adding herbs like oregano or basil enhances the overall taste of your ground beef zucchini casserole.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Just freeze it before baking, then thaw and bake when ready to enjoy.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

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• Author: Annika Weber
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines savory ground beef and tender zucchini, topped with melted cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this nutritious comfort food will impress everyone at the table.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 2 medium zucchini, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink (7-10 minutes), seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Stir in the sliced zucchini and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg