Description
Ground beef zucchini casserole is a hearty dish with ground beef, zucchini, tomatoes, and cheese. It is low carb and family-friendly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini into ½” rounds. Put in a sieve or colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss.
- Let the salted zucchini sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Rinse well under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat dry.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium high. Add onions and cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
- Add garlic and ground beef, breaking up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In an 8×8 baking dish, spread half of the ground beef mixture. Cover with half of the zucchini slices, then half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat with the remainder of the meat mixture, zucchini slices, and cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and beginning to brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Salting zucchini extracts water, preventing a soggy casserole.
- An 8×8 inch pan creates deeper layers. A 9×13 inch pan requires only one layer and less baking time.
- Prepare meat sauce, zucchini, and cheese ahead, but assemble right before baking.
- Let the casserole rest before serving for easier slicing.
- Store in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat in the microwave.
- Freezing is not recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 258kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 484mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 76mg