Savory Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole
A heartwarming dish that combines seasoned ground beef and tender zucchini, layered with cheese and spices for a comforting meal.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Ground Beef Lean ground beef for rich flavor.
Vegetables
- 2 medium Zucchini Sliced thinly.
- 1 medium Onion Chopped.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
Sauce
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce Adds moisture and flavor.
Cheese
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded for topping.
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning For seasoning.
- Salt To taste.
- Pepper To taste.
Oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing.
Topping
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs For crunchy topping.
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Chopped, for garnish.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Drain excess fat, then add sliced zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the beef and zucchini mixture in a greased baking dish, followed by half of the cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Consider adding other vegetables or using different proteins for variations.