Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delightful twist on traditional pizza that combines the flavors we love while packing in some extra nutrition. This dish features a scrumptious zucchini crust, topped with hearty ground beef, peppers, and a melty cheese blend. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, and it’s a great way to use up any extra zucchini you might have from your garden or farmer’s market. Trust me, each bite of this casserole will have your family asking for seconds!
What You’ll Need for Zucchini Pizza Casserole
To whip up this delicious Zucchini Pizza Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 large zucchinis)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create your very own Zucchini Pizza Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
- In the same bowl, mix the drained zucchini with the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. This will form the crust mixture.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to create your crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly browned.
- While the crust is baking, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, green bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the crust is ready, spread the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Serving this Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a breeze! Slice it into squares and plate generously. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a fresh side salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top adds a nice touch of color and flavor. If you want to take it to the next level, consider serving with a side of garlic bread or some crusty rolls to soak up any leftover pizza sauce!
Expert Tips for Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- Squeeze Out the Moisture: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can from the zucchini. This ensures that your crust stays firm and doesn’t become soggy.
- Variations: Feel free to mix and match toppings. You could use ground turkey instead of beef, or add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, or spinach.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole in advance. Just bake the crust the day before, let it cool, and then layer on the toppings. When you’re ready to serve, bake it until the cheese is bubbly!
Zucchini Pizza Casserole FAQs
Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen zucchini; just be sure to thaw and squeeze out the moisture well before using.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the ground beef and add more veggies of your choice, such as spinach, zucchini, or even some artichokes.
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a unique and tasty way to enjoy a classic favorite while sneaking in some veggies. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will become a beloved dish in your home just like it has in mine! Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
- In the same bowl, mix the drained zucchini with the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese to form the crust mixture.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to create your crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly browned.
- While the crust is baking, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the pizza sauce, green bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the crust is ready, spread the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese over the top.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.