Description
This easy ground beef zucchini casserole combines seasoned beef, tender zucchini, marinara sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced or torn
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- Wash, dry, and slice the zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds. Blot the slices with a clean towel.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, break it into small pieces, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix the ricotta with 1/2 cup of the mozzarella in a small bowl.
- Arrange half of the zucchini in the prepared baking dish.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the zucchini, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, beef mixture, and ricotta mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese bubbles and develops golden spots.
- Rest the casserole for 10 minutes, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.
Notes
- Use a thick marinara sauce to limit excess moisture.
- For a firmer casserole, salt the zucchini lightly, rest it for 10 minutes, and blot it dry.
- Ground turkey or chicken may replace the ground beef.
- Cottage cheese may replace the ricotta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the assembled unbaked casserole for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 710
- Fat: 31
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 105