Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines lean ground beef, tender zucchini, flavorful tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella cheese. This low-carb casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly. With layers of seasoned beef and zucchini baked to perfection, it’s a comforting, cheesy dinner you’ll want to make again and again. Not only is this casserole delicious, but it’s also a great way to add more vegetables to your meal without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Low-carb and keto-friendly: Perfect for anyone looking to cut down on carbs without giving up flavor.
Quick and easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this casserole is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy, savory flavors.
Customizable: Swap ingredients or add extra veggies to make it your own.
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
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Prep the zucchini: Slice zucchini into ½-inch rounds and place in a colander. Sprinkle with salt, toss to coat, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse well and pat dry.
Cook the beef mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onions for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks, and stir until fully browned.
Season the mixture: Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble the casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F. In an 8×8-inch baking dish, spread half the beef mixture, followed by half the zucchini slices and half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
Rest and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
Don’t skip salting the zucchini: This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Use a smaller dish for deeper layers: An 8×8-inch baking dish works perfectly for this recipe.
Make ahead: Prep the meat sauce, slice zucchini, and grate cheese in advance to save time.
Let it rest before cutting: This helps the casserole hold its shape when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap proteins: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
Cheese swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a new twist.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Freezing: Not recommended, as zucchini tends to release water after thawing, which affects texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 258 kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Sodium: 484mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
Pair with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for those who want extra carbs.
Top with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meat sauce and slice the zucchini in advance. Assemble the casserole just before baking for the best texture.
How do I prevent my casserole from becoming watery?
Salting and draining the zucchini before baking is key. This removes excess moisture that can make the casserole soggy.
Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
Absolutely. Yellow squash works just as well and adds a slightly different flavor and color to the dish.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This casserole is naturally low in carbs, making it a great option for keto or low-carb diets.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. Use a 9×13-inch dish and double all ingredients. Adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining me in making this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole! This recipe is one of my personal favorites because it’s flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding the whole family. I hope you enjoy the rich layers of savory beef, tender zucchini, and gooey cheese as much as I do. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a comforting weekend dinner, this casserole is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
Print
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, cheesy low-carb dinner packed with flavor. Layers of seasoned beef, tender zucchini, and gooey mozzarella make this easy casserole a family favorite.
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
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Slice zucchini into ½-inch rounds. Place in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions for 2 minutes, then add garlic and ground beef, cooking until browned.
Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Preheat oven to 350°F. In an 8×8-inch baking dish, layer half the beef mixture, half the zucchini, and half the cheese. Repeat layers.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Salting the zucchini helps remove excess water, preventing a watery casserole.
Use an 8×8-inch baking dish for thicker layers.
Prepare the meat mixture and slice the zucchini ahead of time for faster assembly.
Resting the casserole before cutting helps it set for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 26g