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A hearty and comforting casserole combining tender zucchini slices layered with seasoned ground beef and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds, salted and patted dry
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (a splash)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 cup good-quality canned tomato sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh basil and oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice zucchini into 1/4-inch rounds.
  3. Sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let sit for 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Sauté chopped onion and garlic in the skillet until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until browned.
  7. Drain excess fat from the cooked beef.
  8. Pour tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and simmer about 5 minutes.
  9. Grease a baking dish.
  10. Layer half the zucchini slices in the dish, add half the beef mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.
  11. Repeat with remaining zucchini slices and beef mixture, then top with a generous layer of cheese.
  12. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  14. Cool the casserole about 10 minutes to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

To reduce sogginess, salt zucchini slices and pat dry; optionally roast or sauté zucchini before layering., Can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition., Try different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or Parmesan for variation., Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for heat., This casserole can be assembled ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking., For freezing, assemble and freeze in foil pan; bake covered from frozen adding 15-25 minutes., Reheat leftovers in 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions., For gluten-free version, omit breadcrumbs and verify tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingcrumbs.com/delicious-baked-zucchini-and-ground-beef-casserole-recipe/