This ground beef zucchini casserole is a comforting, cheesy dinner made with lean ground beef, tender zucchini, diced tomatoes, Italian herbs, and plenty of mozzarella. It has the familiar layered feel of lasagna without the pasta, making it a simple gluten-free and lower-carb meal for busy weeknights.thefoodblog
Why You’ll Love It
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Requires only a few simple preparation steps.
- Makes a satisfying family dinner.
- Works well for meal prep.
- Can be customized with different vegetables and cheeses.
- Naturally gluten-free when prepared without breadcrumbs or pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchini, about 2 pounds, sliced into ½-inch rounds.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- 1 small onion, diced.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced.
- 1 pound lean ground beef.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for the zucchini.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 can, 28 ounces, diced tomatoes, drained.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
Instructions
Prepare the zucchini
Place the zucchini slices in a colander or sieve and sprinkle them with salt. Toss gently to coat and let them stand for about 15 minutes.
Rinse the zucchini under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat the slices dry with paper towels. This step helps reduce moisture and prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Cook the beef mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes, until it begins to soften. Add the garlic and ground beef. Break up the meat with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in the drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Layer the casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Spread half of the beef and tomato mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Add half of the zucchini slices, followed by half of the shredded mozzarella.
Repeat the layers with the remaining beef mixture, zucchini, and cheese.
Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese has melted and is beginning to turn golden.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Tips
- Use lean ground beef to minimize the amount of grease in the casserole.
- If using regular ground beef, drain the excess fat after browning.
- Do not skip salting and drying the zucchini, especially if it is very fresh or large.
- Shred mozzarella from a block when possible for smoother melting.
- Letting the casserole rest makes it easier to cut and serve.
- An 8×8-inch dish creates deeper layers. A 9×13-inch dish can also be used, but the casserole will be shallower and may require less baking time.
Recipe Variations
Change the meat
Ground turkey, ground chicken, pork, or another ground meat can be used instead of beef.
Add more vegetables
Stir baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or chopped fresh herbs into the meat mixture. Yellow squash can replace some or all of the zucchini.
Make it more like lasagna
Replace one layer of mozzarella with ricotta or cottage cheese. Add Parmesan to the top before baking for extra flavor.
Adjust the seasoning
Use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you do not have Italian seasoning. Red pepper flakes can also be added for heat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
The beef and tomato mixture can be prepared ahead of time. You can also slice and salt the zucchini and shred the cheese in advance.
For the best texture, assemble the casserole shortly before baking.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. The casserole is not ideal for freezing because the zucchini can become soft and watery after thawing.thefoodblog
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Canned diced tomatoes provide convenient flavor and consistent moisture. Fresh tomatoes can be used, but they should be chopped and drained well to prevent excess liquid.
Can I skip salting the zucchini?
It is possible, but salting helps draw out water and improves the texture of the finished casserole.
Can I use a larger baking dish?
Yes. A 9×13-inch dish works, but the layers will be thinner. Begin checking the casserole earlier because it may cook more quickly.
Is this casserole low-carb?
It contains no pasta and is lower in carbohydrates than a traditional lasagna-style casserole. The exact carbohydrate content depends on the ingredients and serving size.
