Description
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini, and a creamy cheese sauce. This low-carb, delicious casserole is perfect for family dinners, offering a satisfying meal packed with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- While the beef mixture simmers, heat a separate pan over medium heat and lightly sauté the zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes, just until slightly tender but still firm. Drain any excess water from the zucchini.
- Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the sautéed zucchini. Spread the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini, then pour the heavy cream over the beef.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- For a more substantial meal, add a layer of cooked quinoa or rice between the beef and zucchini.
- Feel free to substitute the cheddar cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
