Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole: Amazing 1-Dish

Name: Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole: Amazing 1-Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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 teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

by Jannet Lisa

24 de July de 2025

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Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole has become my go-to weeknight meal, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! There’s something so comforting about the savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and gooey melted cheese all baked together. I remember the first time I tried making a zucchini and ground beef casserole without pasta, and honestly, I was a little skeptical. But the smell that filled my kitchen as it baked – a mix of herbs, garlic, and that rich beefy aroma – had me hooked. This easy ground beef zucchini casserole recipe is a healthy, low-carb twist on a classic that my whole family devours. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

This dish is a weeknight dinner dream for so many reasons:

The combination of savory ground beef, tender zucchini, and melted cheese is pure comfort food bliss.
It’s an easy zucchini ground beef casserole that comes together quickly, perfect for busy evenings.
You get fantastic flavor without all the carbs, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have.
Even picky eaters will love this easy zucchini ground beef casserole; the flavors are universally appealing.
It’s a healthy way to sneak in extra vegetables without anyone noticing.
This recipe is fantastic for meal prep, as it holds up well after baking.
It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different cheeses or seasonings.

Ingredients for Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious and cheesy zucchini beef casserole. It’s amazing how these everyday items transform into such a satisfying meal, proving that a ground beef zucchini casserole recipe doesn’t need to be complicated.

2 medium zucchini (about 2 pounds) – sliced into ½-inch rounds; salting and drying them is key to avoid sogginess!
1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing the aromatics
1 small onion, diced – about 1 cup, adds a foundational savory flavor
2 garlic cloves, minced – essential for that classic aromatic base
1 pound lean ground beef – 85/15 or 90/10 works perfectly for flavor and moisture
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – a blend of herbs that brings it all together
½ teaspoon kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors
½ teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, drained – removing excess liquid prevents a watery casserole
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for that gooey, melty topping we all love!

How to Make Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

Creating this delicious zucchini ground beef casserole is surprisingly straightforward, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Follow these steps for a perfect ground beef zucchini bake recipe every time.

Step 1: Begin by preparing your zucchini. Slice the 2 medium zucchini into ½-inch thick rounds. Place these slices in a colander set over a sink. Sprinkle them generously with the ½ teaspoon kosher salt and toss gently to coat. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This crucial step draws out excess moisture, preventing a watery casserole and ensuring a better texture for your zucchini and ground beef casserole without pasta.
Step 2: After the zucchini has rested, rinse the slices thoroughly under cold running water to remove all the salt. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. This drying step is just as important as the salting for achieving a great consistency.
Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 small onion, diced, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until it starts to soften and become fragrant.
Step 4: Add the 2 garlic cloves, minced, to the skillet. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, add the 1 pound lean ground beef. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink and is nicely browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in the drained 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes, the 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, and the remaining ½ teaspoon black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat. This forms the flavorful base of your ground beef zucchini bake recipe.
Step 6: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
Step 7: Layer half of the prepared zucchini rounds over the beef mixture. Sprinkle half of the 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the zucchini.
Step 8: Repeat the layers: add the remaining ground beef mixture over the first layer of zucchini, then top with the rest of the zucchini slices, and finish with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Step 9: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen will tell you it’s ready!
Step 10: Once out of the oven, let the zucchini ground beef casserole dinner rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.

Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

Want to elevate your zucchini ground beef bake? Here are my tried-and-true tips for making the absolute best zucchini ground beef casserole:

Don’t skip salting and drying the zucchini! This is the most critical step to avoid a watery mess and achieve a fantastic texture.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
Using a good quality shredded mozzarella cheese will give you the best melt and flavor.
Make sure your ground beef is well-drained after cooking to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.

What’s the secret to perfect Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole?

The real secret to the perfect best zucchini ground beef casserole is thoroughly salting and drying the zucchini. This removes excess water, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and has a satisfying, non-soggy texture. For more tips on preparing vegetables, check out this guide on how to prepare zucchini.

Can I make Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can assemble this zucchini ground beef casserole dinner up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole?

The most common pitfall is a watery casserole. Avoid this by diligently salting and drying the zucchini. Also, ensure your diced tomatoes are well-drained to prevent excess liquid from compromising the dish’s structure. If you’re looking for other great casserole ideas, you might enjoy our jalapeno buffalo chicken casserole.

Best Ways to Serve Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

This versatile zucchini ground beef bake is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. If you’re wondering what to serve with zucchini ground beef casserole, I’ve got you covered.

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fantastic complement, adding a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich casserole.
Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and makes the meal feel even more comforting.
Steamed or roasted broccoli or green beans add extra vegetables and a lovely pop of color to your plate.

Nutrition Facts for Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

This healthy zucchini ground beef casserole is a satisfying option for a balanced meal.

Calories: 360
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your ground beef zucchini casserole recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

This zucchini ground beef casserole dinner is fantastic for leftovers! Once it’s cooled down about 30 minutes after baking, portion it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispier top, you can reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or a regular oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole: Amazing 1-Dish - Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole - additional detail

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

What’s the best way to prepare zucchini for this casserole?

The key to avoiding a watery dish is to salt and then thoroughly dry the zucchini slices. This process draws out excess moisture, ensuring your zucchini ground beef casserole dinner has a perfect texture. After salting, rinse the slices well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. For more information on vegetable preparation, consider looking at apple salad recipes for inspiration on fresh ingredients.

Can I make a low carb zucchini ground beef casserole without any tomatoes?

While tomatoes add moisture and flavor, you could technically omit them if you’re strictly avoiding carbs. However, it might make the casserole a bit drier. You could try adding a bit more cheese for richness or a splash of broth to compensate. This recipe is already a great low carb zucchini ground beef casserole option.

How do I make zucchini ground beef casserole without pasta?

This recipe is already designed to be without pasta! The thinly sliced zucchini takes the place of traditional pasta layers. So, you’re already on the right track for a delicious zucchini and ground beef casserole without pasta. Just follow the steps for salting and drying the zucchini to ensure the best results. If you enjoy one-dish meals, you might like our mediterranean chicken zucchini bake.

Can I add other vegetables to this zucchini beef bake?

Absolutely! This zucchini beef bake is quite forgiving. You could add finely chopped bell peppers along with the onions, or perhaps some mushrooms sautéed with the beef. Just be mindful of adding too much extra moisture, and ensure any added veggies are cooked down slightly before layering.

Variations of Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole You Can Try

This versatile zucchini ground beef casserole is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious tweaks! Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture. You could also top with a sprinkle of Monterey Jack cheese for a bit of a spicy, melty finish.
Creamy Sauce Version: Whisk together 1/2 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard and a splash of milk to create a creamy sauce. Swirl this into the beef mixture before layering for a richer dish. This variation still keeps it a wonderfully healthy zucchini ground beef casserole.
Vegetable Medley: Enhance this already veggie-packed meal by adding finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms along with the onions. Sauté them until tender before adding the ground beef.
Cauliflower Rice Base: If you’re looking for an even lower-carb option than zucchini, try substituting riced cauliflower for the zucchini layers. This creates a delicious low carb zucchini ground beef casserole alternative.