Description
A hearty and comforting casserole made with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. This family-friendly low-carb and gluten-free meal is packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced
Cheese Toppings
- 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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Onions: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with onions. Cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary for a leaner dish.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors well.
- Prepare Zucchini Layers: Arrange half of the sliced zucchini evenly in the bottom of the greased baking dish. This creates a flavorful vegetable base for the casserole.
- Layer Beef Mixture: Spread all of the cooked ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini layer to provide a rich and meaty middle layer.
- Add Remaining Zucchini: Top the beef mixture evenly with the remaining zucchini slices, creating the top vegetable layer.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese for an added cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the zucchini is tender, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Salt zucchini slices and let them sit for 15 minutes before assembling to reduce excess moisture and prevent a watery casserole.
- Add mushrooms or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra vegetables and flavor variations.
- Leftovers reheat well and are great for meal prep lunches or dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
