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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and nourishing comfort food that combines lean ground beef with tender zucchini, protein-packed quinoa, and a blend of cheeses. Perfect for a satisfying family meal, this casserole is cheesy, flavorful, and loaded with healthy vegetables, making it both delicious and wholesome.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Quinoa

  • 1 cup dry quinoa, cooked according to package instructions

Meat Mixture

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup yellow cooking onion, diced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables

  • 6 zucchinis (approx. 2 lbs), sliced into ¼ inch rounds

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 2 cups low sugar tomato sauce (marinara sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Cheeses

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (ricotta cheese can be used as substitute)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh basil for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook quinoa: Prepare the quinoa following the package instructions until fully cooked. Set aside once done.
  3. Sauté meat and aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and diced yellow onions. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, and the onions are fragrant and translucent. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
  4. Cook zucchini: Without cleaning the pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced zucchini and season with additional salt and pepper. Cover the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the zucchini softens but retains some texture.
  5. Combine casserole ingredients: Add the cooked zucchini, spices (dried oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning), cottage cheese, cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the casserole dish with the meat. Stir gently using a spatula to evenly combine all ingredients.
  6. Layer and top casserole: Spread the mixture into an even layer in the casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
  7. Bake and broil: Bake the casserole for approximately 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese topping.
  8. Garnish and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top, and serve warm. Enjoy your nourishing, cheesy ground beef zucchini casserole!

Notes

  • For a lighter option, use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese.
  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if preferred.
  • If zucchini releases too much water, you can drain it before adding to the casserole to avoid excess liquid.
  • Make ahead tip: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
  • Serving suggestion: Pair with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/ground-beef-zucchini-casserole-recipe/