I have one more recipe for all you gardeners with a zucchini surplus. This time, I combined the zucchini with ground beef to make a casserole. Because we all need easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights!
Ingredients needed
I had a couple priorities with this casserole. Keep it low carb was one, so that means no rice or pasta. I also wanted to avoid using a can of soup, but still wanted a simple ingredient list. I was delighted when I was able to accomplish all these goals.
The primary ingredients are of course ground beef and zucchini. The “sauce” is a can of diced tomatoes and a half can of tomato paste. To give the dish a little Italian flavor, I add onion, garlic, Italian seasonings and, of course, cheese. Because there’s no such thing as too much cheese!
How to make this ground beef zucchini casserole
Start by browning the onions and ground beef. While that is browning, I like to slice up the zucchini. With a food processor this is about a one-minute job, but it can certainly be done by hand. Just try to get the slices as evenly thin as possible so they all cook at the same speed.
Once the meat is brown, add the garlic and seasonings. Then add the can of diced tomatoes, the tomato paste, and water. Mix well to make a sauce and to fully incorporate the meat. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes.
Mix in the zucchini and Parmesan cheese, then transfer to a casserole dish. Top with shredded cheese, cover and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 10-15 minutes more. Allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
How to serve this casserole
Because the zucchini will release water when heated, this does end up being a little “soupy” in texture. It makes a fantastic bowl meal! I eat it just as is, to keep my carbs in check. But it is also great with a side of rice or noodles (or zoodles!) if you want to round out the meal a little more.
If you want less liquid in the casserole, you could bake uncovered for the whole time to promote evaporation. Use a larger (deeper!) casserole dish for this to minimize the sauce from bubbling too much and making a mess in the oven!
If desired, you could also finish with a few minutes under the broiler to brown the cheese on top. Browned cheese . . . mmm.
You’ll want to make this easy casserole a regular in your meal rotation!
Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- 1 onion medium yellow, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
- 1 pound zucchini sliced
- 1 cup cheese Italian blend
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet on medium heat. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until softened but not brown.
- Add ground beef. Break up the meat and cook, stirring regularly, until fully brown, about 4-5 minutes. (Drain any excess fat at this point, if applicable)
- Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and minced garlic. Stir and cook for one minute.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and water. Mix well to make a sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7-10 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese and zucchini and stir until well coated in sauce. Remove from heat.
- Transfer mixture to a 2- to 3- quart casserole dish. Top with shredded Italian cheese.
- Cover and bake in a 375F oven for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes uncovered. Remove from oven and allow to rest at least 10 minutes before serving.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Blake Moon
I can tell you from personal experience that this is a great meal.
Sula
I agree, I love it!
Emily Flint
This zucchini casserole was so good my family had no idea they were eating A LOT of vegetables!! I'm so glad I found your recipe now that it is zucchini season and we have a surplus to eat, YUM!
Sula
That's the magic! The secret of extra veggies!
Taleen | Just As Tasty
This looks like such a delicious and easy dinner idea!
Sula
For sure! And a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen
Mmm... I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry!
Sula
LOL you're welcome!
Charla
This looks like the kind of meal I will be tucking into during the winter, super filling and tasty!
Sula
Me too! Thanks for stopping by!
Dannii
Oooh this looks like total comfort food. Perfect for a cold winter night.
Sula
Yes, its comfort food without all those extra carbs!
Maria
Now that’s an awesome low carb dish. It will keep everybody full for some time. Another positive thing is that, it’s easy to do. Good thing for busy people. Would love
to try this! Thanks for sharing this.
Sula
You're welcome, I hope you try it soon!
Emmeline
What a simple, delicious, casserole! A great weeknight dinner.
Sula
Yes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Chichi
I love ground beef and veggies. Never tried making this kind of casserole with Zucchinis. Would definitely be making this soon.
Sula
I hope you try it soon - It's so good!
Kalin
What an easy meal for dinner! I love zucchini and would love this over some fresh pasta. Thanks for sharing!
Sula
Yes, it's good with or without the pasta which make it very easy to please different people's preferences.
Christina's Bread Bakes
This was such a great way to add veggies and reduce carbs (no pasta). Loved it and even the kids ate it.
Sula
Yes I really like the low carb aspect of this. And you don't feel like anything is missing!
marita
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I grow courgettes in my garden and always run out of recipes to use them with. I will save them for the next harvest.
Sula
Anyone who grows zucchini has a LOT....I'm sure you'll enjoy this once you try it!
Alyssa Hixenbaugh
This recipe is excellent! Zucchini is a great healthy veggie and mixing it with ground beef or turkey adds protein. Thanks for sharing!
Sula
Yes, it's a great way to get some extra veggies in the diet!
Cindy Mom, the Lunch Lady
What a great low carb meal! I love zucchini and will have to make this with ground turkey 🙂
Sula
Oh I think ground turkey would be fabulous in this!
Colette Zaharko
This is the perfect summer meal when zucchinis are in season. I can't wait to try it!
Sula
I think you will love it!
Mihaela|https://theworldisanoyster.com/
My favourite veggie and something for the 2/3 carnivorous to make everyone happy:)) I'll make this one evening!
Sula
I does tend to be a crowd pleaser!
Cindy Jo
I had on hand...ground beef, zucchini and summer squash, Parmesan cheese. Put that into a search, and tried this recipe as I had all other ingredients but the Italian blend shredded cheese, so sent the hubby to pick that up on his way home from school. This was so tasty, and enough left for a second meal for the two of us. I haven't done a zucchini casserole in years and years. Thank you!
Sula
You are so welcome and thank you for letting me know that you tried it and loved it!
Cindy Jo
Oops! Missed the stars--5 stars all the way!
Sula
Thank you so much for your kind review 🙂
Bella
I Love zucchini and hamburger together. This is an Awsome recipe, and it’s fits into my diet plan no carbs
Sula
Thank you Bella, I'm so glad you found my recipe. I try to keep my carbs very low as well, and this casserole still delivers great taste. We love it too!