Description
Hearty zucchini ground beef casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables. Cheesy layers combine garden-fresh vegetables with savory meat, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 (14.5 oz/411 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Ignite the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for seamless release.
- Meat Foundation: In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and crumble ground beef, transforming it into a golden-brown canvas while breaking into delicate morsels.
- Aromatic Infusion: Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their intoxicating fragrance and meld with the caramelized meat.
- Vegetable Integration: Incorporate zucchini slices, seasoning with salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and a whisper of paprika, gently coaxing the vegetable to a tender state.
- Sauce Creation: Stream in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, swirling in a dollop of sour cream to craft a luxuriously creamy and harmonious mixture.
- Layering and Cheese Cascade: Transfer the savory ensemble to the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly, then lavishly crown with a blizzard of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Baking and Resting: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, baking uncovered until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden blanket, then permit the dish a brief moment of repose.
- Finishing Flourish: Adorn with freshly chopped parsley or basil, adding a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous essence, and serve alongside crusty bread, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Optimize Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is completely dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown color and develop deep, rich flavors without steaming.
- Control Moisture Levels: Zucchini releases water during cooking, so pat slices dry and avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent a watery casserole.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and more even coverage, avoiding pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for lighter versions, and use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg