Zucchini Casserole

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Delicious zucchini casserole baked with cheese and herbs

Zucchini Casserole: A Delicious and Hearty Dish

If you’re looking for a satisfying and nutritious casserole that showcases the wonderful flavors of zucchini, look no further than this delightful Zucchini Casserole recipe. Packed with ground meat, fresh vegetables, and topped with a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Read on to discover how to prepare this tasty and wholesome casserole.

Ingredients

US Measurements:

  • 3 medium zucchini (about 2 lbs), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup cheese, grated
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Smoked paprika, to taste
  • Provencal herbs, to taste
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • Salt, to taste (for sauce)
  • Pepper, to taste (for sauce)

European Metric Measurements:

  • 900g zucchini, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 300g ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 70g cheese, grated
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 30g butter
  • 45ml vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Smoked paprika, to taste
  • Provencal herbs, to taste
  • 100ml sour cream
  • 30ml mayonnaise
  • 15g fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • Salt, to taste (for sauce)
  • Pepper, to taste (for sauce)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking dish with parchment paper. Wash and slice the zucchini into rounds about 5mm thick. Brush the zucchini slices with vegetable oil and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until slightly tender.

  2. Cook the Filling: In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then, add the diced bell pepper and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened. Incorporate the ground meat, cooking until it is browned and fully cooked. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Provencal herbs. Stir in the butter and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

  3. Assemble the Casserole: In a bowl, beat the eggs with chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Grease a baking dish with butter and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. Layer half of the pre-baked zucchini slices on the bottom of the dish. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the zucchini, place the sliced tomatoes on top, and layer the remaining zucchini over the tomatoes. Pour the beaten egg mixture over the entire casserole and sprinkle the remaining breadcrumbs and grated cheese on top.

  4. Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

  5. Prepare the Sauce: While the casserole bakes, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create a flavorful sauce. Refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

  6. Serve: Once the casserole is done, let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting it into squares. Serve hot, accompanied by the prepared dill sauce on the side.

Nutritional Information and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Nutritional Information (per serving): Approx. 320 calories, 25g protein, 15g fat, 18g carbohydrates

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh zucchini and seasonal vegetables. Organic produce can enhance the overall taste of your casserole.

  2. Experiment with Spices: While the recipe offers smoked paprika and Provencal herbs, feel free to add your favorite spices such as Italian seasoning or chili flakes for an extra kick.

  3. Make it Ahead: This Zucchini Casserole can easily be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate it. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve!

Possible Variations

  1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a variety of sautéed vegetables or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version of the casserole.

  2. Cheesy Delight: Increase the cheese quantity or add different types of cheese such as mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor twist in the casserole.

This Zucchini Casserole is sure to become a beloved dish in your home, packed with flavor and nutrition, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the cooking experience and the delightful meal that follows!