Description
This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring seasoned ground beef combined with tender sautéed zucchini and aromatic herbs, layered with creamy cheeses, and baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner, this casserole offers a balance of protein and vegetables with a creamy, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain off any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: To the same skillet with the beef, add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their aromas. Then add sliced zucchini along with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes if desired, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté everything together for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini becomes tender but not mushy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Stir in the heavy cream and tomato sauce (if using) into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Layer the Casserole: Transfer the beef and zucchini mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly over the top to create a rich cheesy layer.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm for a hearty and cheesy meal everyone will love.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- Omit tomato sauce if you prefer a creamier casserole without tomato flavor.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Let the casserole rest before serving to make it easier to cut and serve.
