Description
Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy beef & zucchini casserole, a hearty one-dish wonder packed with savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Rich melted cheese and tender ground beef blend perfectly with garden-fresh zucchini, creating a satisfying meal that beckons you to dig in and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Vegetables:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces or 411 grams) diced tomatoes, drained
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the upcoming culinary creation.
- In a generously sized skillet, drizzle olive oil and awaken the aromatics by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, using a spatula to crumble and distribute the meat evenly. Cook until the beef transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, ensuring no pink remains.
- Incorporate sliced zucchini, bringing vibrant green color and fresh texture to the mixture. Pour in diced tomatoes and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Allow the ingredients to meld together, gently cooking for several minutes until zucchini softens slightly and releases its delicate moisture.
- Carefully transfer the robust beef and zucchini medley into a well-greased baking dish, creating an inviting landscape of savory ingredients.
- Generously crown the mixture with a luxurious blanket of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melty goodness.
- Optional: Scatter breadcrumbs across the cheesy surface for an irresistible crispy texture.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven, letting the heat transform the casserole into a bubbling, golden masterpiece over 25-30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting flavors settle before serving this comforting dish.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
- Add extra nutrients by mixing in spinach or diced bell peppers during the cooking process.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg