Description
A comforting Cheesy Beef and Zucchini Casserole featuring tender ground beef sautéed with zucchini, onions, and garlic, all baked with a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a rich and flavorful meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Sauces
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional, for added flavor)
Spices & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Others
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if needed to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the cooked beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Then add the sliced zucchini along with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté everything together for another 5–7 minutes until zucchini is tender.
- Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and tomato sauce (if using) into the skillet mixture. Bring it to a gentle simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this hearty and cheesy meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a lighter version.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Adding tomato sauce is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
