If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, family-pleasing dinner that sneaks in veggies and layers on the comfort, you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole. Brimming with savory beef, vibrant zucchini, and a rich, melty duo of cheeses, this casserole manages to be satisfying yet light enough for any night of the week. It’s a personal favorite because it makes weeknight meals feel just a little more special without piling on extra work.

Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is how effortless yet thoughtful the ingredient list is—simple pantry staples and fresh produce come together for magic you can taste in every bite. Here’s how each addition really shines in the finished dish:

Ground beef: Choose a lean blend for less grease and more rich, meaty flavor in the casserole.
Zucchini: Sliced thin, zucchini adds subtle sweetness and keeps every serving wonderfully moist.
Onion: Chopped onion brings a mild, aromatic base that balances the hearty beef.
Garlic: Just two cloves is enough to add depth and a gentle punch to the flavor profile.
Diced tomatoes: A single can, drained, offers tang and vibrant color without the excess liquid.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and bold, it melts beautifully for that crave-worthy, gooey top.
Mozzarella cheese: Mild and stretchy, mozzarella creates the perfect cheese pull in every forkful.
Italian seasoning: This blend brings together dried herbs for an instant Mediterranean upgrade.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors—don’t skip these!
Olive oil: For sautéing, it imparts a gentle richness and prevents sticking.
Breadcrumbs (optional): If you love a crispy, golden topper, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs is perfection.

How to Make Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to cook everything through while bubbling the cheeses into golden bliss. A good preheat guarantees the casserole bakes evenly from the first minute.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Drop in your chopped onions and minced garlic, then give them a gentle stir. After 2-3 minutes, you’ll notice the onions turn translucent and fragrant—this sets the aromatic foundation for the entire Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. As it cooks, break it apart with a spatula, allowing it to brown evenly. In about 5-7 minutes, you should see the meat lose its pink color and take on a rich, savory aroma. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a lighter dish.

Step 4: Add Zucchini, Tomatoes, and Seasoning

Now, stir in your sliced zucchini, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let everything mingle for about 5 minutes—the zucchini should begin to soften and soak up all the flavors, turning your skillet into a colorful medley.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Take the skillet off the heat and transfer your beef and zucchini mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Even everything out to make sure each bite is full of that meaty, veggie-packed filling.

Step 6: Layer on the Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Generously top your casserole with shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, covering every corner. If you love a crunchy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs across the top—they crisp up in the oven and add a fabulous texture to the creamy cheeses of your Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Pop the dish in your hot oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melty, bubbling at the edges, and just turning golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes after baking. This brief wait helps everything set up, making it easier to scoop and enjoy. Then serve and watch it disappear—it always gets rave reviews at my table!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the rich, cheesy layers. For extra zest, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a dash of red pepper flakes can really take this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole over the top!

Side Dishes

A simple green salad tossed with a lemony vinaigrette is my favorite way to round out this dish. Some toasted garlic bread works wonders to mop up any cheesy sauce, and steamed green beans or broccoli pair beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests, try assembling the Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. For potlucks, bake it in a beautiful ceramic dish and set it right in the center of the table—a surefire conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then cover and store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats like a dream, making lunch or a future dinner both easy and extra tasty.

Freezing

Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole freezes well, either whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly with foil or use an airtight container, and freeze for up to two months. Be sure to label it so you can relive the cheesy goodness any time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. For single servings, the microwave works great—just cover lightly with a paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts until heated through. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating for an extra oozy finish!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well in this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole, making it slightly lighter while still keeping all the comforting flavors intact. Just know that turkey or chicken is leaner, so consider adding a bit more olive oil if you’d like more richness.

Should I peel the zucchini?

No need to peel—the skin is tender and adds extra color and nutrients. Just give your zucchini a good rinse before slicing, and you’re good to go.

What type of breadcrumbs are best on top?

Either traditional or panko breadcrumbs will give you a delightful crunch. If you want extra flavor, try tossing them with a little melted butter and Italian herbs before sprinkling on the casserole.

Can I make Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to the cheese layer, cover, and refrigerate for a day in advance. Bake it fresh when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’s going in cold.

Is this casserole gluten free?

If you skip the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs, this casserole is entirely gluten free and perfectly suited for anyone with dietary restrictions—just double-check your seasonings to be sure!

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is the kind of dish that brings people together and turns an ordinary meal into something to remember. I hope you’ll grab a skillet and give it a try soon—it might just become the new favorite at your table, too!

Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 10 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheeses for a satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula.

Cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

Stir in the sliced zucchini, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.

Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

If desired, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American