Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

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Ground beef zucchini casserole dish topped with cheese and herbs

Why make this recipe

Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, delicious dish that brings together the flavors of beef, cheese, and fresh vegetables. It is a perfect weeknight meal that can feed a family and is easy to prepare. The combination of zucchini and quinoa not only makes this casserole nutritious but also gives it a lovely texture. It’s a great way to use up fresh veggies and get everyone to eat their greens!

How to make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dry quinoa (cooked according to package instructions)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup yellow cooking onion (diced)
  • 6 zucchinis (approx 2 lbs, sliced into ¼ inch rounds)
  • Salt and black pepper (to taste)
  • 2 cups low sugar tomato sauce (marinara sauce)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (ricotta cheese will also work)
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 2 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil (for topping)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
  2. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
  3. While the quinoa is cooking, in a large pan over medium-high heat, add ½ of the olive oil (1 tbsp). Once hot, add ground beef, garlic, and yellow onions and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are fragrant and translucent. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess oil and add the meat to the casserole dish. Set aside.
  4. In the same pan (don’t clean it), add the remaining olive oil (1 tbsp). Once hot, add sliced zucchini and additional salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the zucchini is soft.
  5. To the casserole dish with the meat, add cooked zucchini, spices, cottage cheese, cooked quinoa, sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir together using a spatula. Gently spread the contents into an even layer in the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, setting the oven to broil for the final 5 minutes to brown the cheese (25 minutes on regular bake, 5 minutes on broil). Top with fresh basil and serve!

How to serve Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Serve this delicious casserole hot, topped with fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor. It pairs nicely with a green salad or some crusty bread. You can also enjoy it on its own as a filling meal.

Variations

  1. Add Spices: For extra flavor, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  2. Swap the Meat: You can replace ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  3. Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and use lentils or more varieties of vegetables to make a vegetarian casserole.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes! You can prepare this casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

  2. What can I use instead of quinoa?
    If you don’t have quinoa, you can use cooked rice or any other grain of your choice.

  3. How long will leftovers last?
    Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

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