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Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.4 from 7 reviews

This Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that combines savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and tender zucchini slices, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping. It's perfect for a family dinner and packed with delicious Italian-inspired flavors.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Sauce

  • Olive oil (to coat)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced)
  • 12 ounces pasta sauce (half a standard jar)

Cheese

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Seasoning

  • 2 medium zucchinis (8-10 inches long), sliced 1/8-1/4 inch thick
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook the ground beef and onions: In a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan, add enough olive oil to coat the surface and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions, spreading the beef evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to brown the bottom. Flip and continue cooking while stirring occasionally for another 5-6 minutes, until the beef is fully browned and onions are soft. Drain any excess oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Add sauce and cottage cheese: Stir in the pasta sauce and cottage cheese to the cooked beef mixture. Heat through for about 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors well. Then, transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish evenly.
  4. Layer with cheese and zucchini: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat mixture. Arrange the zucchini slices on top, then evenly season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Finish by sprinkling the shredded Parmesan cheese over the zucchini layer.
  5. Bake the casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crisp on top.

Notes

  • To reduce moisture, you can salt the zucchini slices beforehand and let them rest to draw out water, then pat dry.
  • Use a cast iron skillet for more even browning of the beef.
  • Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Serve warm with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/zucchini-casserole-with-ground-beef-recipe/