Description
This Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, comforting baked dish layered with seasoned ground beef, fresh zucchini, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese. It’s a perfect one-pan family dinner that’s both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for busy weeknights, it delivers bold flavor while sneaking in healthy vegetables in the most delicious way.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the zucchini slices.
- Add half the beef mixture, then sprinkle cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until soft (3–4 minutes), then add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the zucchini slices.
- Add half the beef mixture, then sprinkle cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 10 g
Keywords: Easy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, ground beef recipes, zucchini casserole, easy casseroles, weeknight dinners