Name: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchini, sliced (about 2 pounds); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound lean ground beef; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole brings together hearty comfort food with a healthy twist, combining savory ground beef, tender zucchini rounds, and gooey mozzarella cheese into one irresistible, bubbling-hot dish. With classic Italian-inspired flavors and a clever way to use summer squash, it’s the kind of recipe you make once and find yourself craving again and again. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing family dinner or a dish to meal-prep for the week, Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is your new secret weapon for both ease and flavor.

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates just a handful of simple ingredients—the sort you probably have on hand or can easily pick up on your next grocery run. Each plays a starring role, from juicy zucchini to bold Italian seasoning, working together to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and cheesy goodness.

Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds tenderness and keeps the casserole moist without feeling heavy.
Olive oil: Helps sauté the vegetables and brings extra flavor and richness to every bite.
Onion: Lends a lovely sweet depth that complements the savoriness of the beef.
Garlic: Two cloves is just right for that essential aromatic backbone—don’t skip it!
Lean ground beef: The star protein, offering tons of heartiness and satisfying flavor.
Italian seasoning: A blend that instantly transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and enhances the other spices.
Diced tomatoes: Make sure to drain them well—they bring tang, juiciness, and beautiful color.
Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and tucked between the layers, this creamy melt is what pulls it all together.

How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Start by slicing your zucchini into half-inch rounds. Place them in a colander and toss with a generous sprinkle of salt. This step draws out extra moisture, so your casserole ends up packed with flavor, not water. Let the salted zucchini rest for 15 minutes—just enough time to get your other ingredients ready.

Step 2: Rinse and Dry the Zucchini

After the zucchini has released some of its water, give it a good rinse under cold water to remove the excess salt. Then lay out the slices on paper towels and pat them dry. This simple trick is key to a casserole that’s hearty, never soggy.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your diced onion, and sauté until it starts to look translucent and fragrant. Next, toss in the minced garlic and ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat and cook until it’s no longer pink, soaking up all those oniony, garlicky flavors.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Seasonings

Once your beef is nicely browned, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together, then take the skillet off the heat. At this stage, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—promise!

Step 5: Layer the Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In an 8×8 inch baking dish, start layering: half the beef mixture, a layer of zucchini rounds, then a blanket of mozzarella. Repeat this process with the rest of the ingredients, finishing off with a final shower of cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for melted, slightly golden cheese on top, with everything inside hot and bubbly. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving—this helps the layers settle so you get the perfect, cheesy slice every time.

How to Serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley or basil does wonders for both color and flavor here. If you like a little extra zip, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before serving can wake everything up in the best way. And don’t forget an extra twist of black pepper—sometimes it’s the simple touches that make a dish truly special.

Side Dishes

This casserole is super satisfying all on its own, but pairing it with a crusty loaf of garlic bread can turn dinner into an occasion. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a punchy vinaigrette offers a fantastic contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole. Roasted broccoli or carrots also round out your plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole to guests, try portioning it into individual ramekins for a bistro-style presentation. Or, spoon big, cheesy scoops over a bed of soft polenta or herbed rice for something extra comforting. You can even scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole cool completely before covering the dish tightly or transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll keep well for up to four days. The flavors mingle even more after a day or two, making leftovers seriously crave-worthy.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble everything, but don’t bake it yet. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to three months. To cook straight from the freezer, bake at 350 degrees, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or until hot and bubbly throughout.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350 degrees until warmed through and the cheese has re-melted—about 15-20 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, too; just cover the portion and heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally for even warming.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey will work perfectly, and you’ll still get all those wonderfully layered flavors. Just be sure to season it well for the best result.

Should I peel the zucchini?

No need—the skin on zucchini is tender and full of nutrients. Just give them a good wash before slicing for the casserole.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby spinach are great additions. Just sauté them with the onion and beef to release any excess moisture first.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is easy to scale up. Use a 9×13 inch pan and double each ingredient—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, if needed.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

It certainly can be! The core ingredients are naturally low in carbs, and you can make it even more keto by ensuring your diced tomatoes are sugar-free and serving without bread or rice sides.

Final Thoughts

When you need a meal that’s equal parts heartwarming, healthy, and easy on the schedule, there’s just nothing like a freshly baked Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a frequent request at your dinner table!

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines tender zucchini, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Prepare Zucchini: Slice zucchini into 1/2-inch rounds, salt, rinse, and pat dry.
Sauté Onion and Beef: In a skillet, cook onions, garlic, and ground beef until browned.
Add Seasonings: Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Layer Casserole: In a baking dish, layer beef mixture, zucchini, and cheese twice.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or using different cheeses.
Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes well to prevent excess liquid in the casserole.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American