Why You’ll Love Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Recipe
This recipe is easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling and homemade without too much fuss. The combination of ground beef, zucchini, quinoa, and cheese creates a balanced casserole with plenty of flavor and texture. It is also a great way to use fresh zucchini in a family-friendly meal. Since everything bakes together in one dish, cleanup is simple, and the leftovers reheat beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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, approximately 2 lbs, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups low sugar tomato sauce or marinara sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 cup cottage cheese, or ricotta cheese
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, for topping
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and set it aside.
While the quinoa cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, garlic, and diced onion. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink and the onions are soft and fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the cooked beef mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced zucchini and season lightly with additional salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the zucchini softens.
Add the cooked zucchini to the casserole dish with the beef. Stir in the cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, oregano, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cottage cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix everything together well, then spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and the parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake for about 25 minutes. Then switch the oven to broil for the final 5 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese. Remove from the oven, top with fresh basil, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Preparation and cooking time is about 55 minutes total. That includes the time needed to prepare the quinoa, brown the beef, soften the zucchini, assemble the casserole, and bake it until hot and bubbly.
Variations
You can easily customize this casserole to suit your preferences. Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. If you want a richer flavor, try using ricotta instead of cottage cheese. For extra vegetables, stir in chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. You can also make it a little spicier by adding red pepper flakes or using a spicy marinara sauce. For a lower-carb option, you can reduce the quinoa slightly or replace it with cauliflower rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also keep the casserole covered in the baking dish if that is more convenient.
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave until heated through. For larger portions, reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, covering loosely with foil to keep the top from over-browning. If you want to freeze it, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use rice instead of quinoa?
Yes, cooked rice works well in place of quinoa and will still give the casserole a hearty texture.
Do I need to peel the zucchini?
No, there is no need to peel the zucchini. The skin softens as it cooks and adds color and texture.
Can I substitute ricotta for cottage cheese?
Yes, ricotta is an excellent substitute and gives the casserole a slightly creamier texture.
How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?
Cooking the zucchini before adding it to the casserole helps reduce excess moisture. You can also avoid overcooking it.
Can I use a different cheese on top?
Yes, you can use provolone, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend if you want to change the flavor.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free as long as your tomato sauce and seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers work very well in this recipe.
What should I serve with this casserole?
It pairs nicely with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or simple garlic bread.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers freeze well. Store them in airtight containers and reheat after thawing in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a comforting and practical meal that brings together simple ingredients in one satisfying dish. With its savory beef, tender zucchini, rich tomato sauce, and cheesy topping, it is a recipe that works well for both weeknight dinners and meal prep. Once you try it, it may become one of your favorite go-to casseroles.
