A couple decades of juggling family work, school, and sports schedules taught me the importance of simple healthy meals. This casserole fits that bill.
An easy meal that doesn't need a ton of ingredients is the best starting point. The flavors are cheesy and delicious without being "weird", so your picky eaters won't turn up their noses.
And unlike most casseroles, this one has no pasta or rice. This means you can serve it with some garlic bread to satisfy the carb burning soccer stars at the table and enjoy it yourself with a salad for a delicious low carb meal. Win, win and WIN!
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This fresh and savory combination is featured in my complete lineup of easy weeknight casseroles, perfect for busy evenings.
Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Yellow Onion
- Garlic (substitute with garlic powder if needed)
- Zucchini
- Ground beef (I use lean ground beef, preferable grass-fed)
- Diced tomatoes (canned)
- Tomato paste
- Italian seasoning
- Shredded cheese (Italian blend)
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt + black pepper
I had a couple priorities with this casserole. Keep it high protein and 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 Zucchini Casserole
- Start by browning the onions and ground beef in a skillet using medium to medium-high heat. While that is browning, I like to slice up the zucchini. With a good 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.
- Sprinkle the 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.
What to Serve with Hamburger Zucchini 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!
- Alternatively, if you use a large oven safe skillet for the browning and mixing steps, you can just leave the mixture in the skillet, cover in cheese, and bake the casserole right in the skillet. Fewer dishes- always a win. 😃
- If desired, you could also finish with a few minutes under the broiler to brown the cheese on top. Browned cheese . . . mmm.
- Speaking of cheese, a dollop of ricotta cheese is another fantastic topping for this casserole!
You'll want to make this easy cheesy beef casserole a regular in your meal rotation!
Need more low carb ideas? Check out this collection of keto Blackstone recipes for even more low carb inspiration!
Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole FAQs
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially when browning, as these meats tend to cook faster.
You can easily prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping, especially for busy weeknights.
Zucchini contains a LOT of water! To remove it, first cut or shred the zucchini (according to the recipe you're making). Then salt it a little and place it in a colander. The salt will help draw the water out so place the colander in a sink or over a bowl to collect the water as it drains. For a final step, place the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel, wrap it, then twist and squeeze to remove the water. You'll be amazed how much water will come out!
If you'd like to see this in action, I made a brief video to demonstrate this with shredded zucchini: How to Prep Zucchini for Baking or Cooking.
The most common way to bake a casserole is to start out covered and tehn uncover to bake for the final 10-15 minutes, which helps to evaporate excess liquid and sometimes to lightly toast the topping. There are exceptions, so always check with the recipe directions for the casserole you decide to make.
More Favorites from Ovenspiration
📖 Recipe
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Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Video
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 to medium-high heat. Add onions and cook 2-3 minutes until softened but not brown.1-2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion
- 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)1 pound ground beef
- Add Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and minced garlic. Stir and cook for one minute.1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 3 garlic cloves
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste and water. Mix well to make a sauce. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 7-10 minutes.14 oz can diced tomatoes, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, ½ cup water
- Add Parmesan cheese and zucchini and stir until well coated in sauce. Remove from heat.½ cup Parmesan cheese, 1 pound zucchini
- Transfer mixture to a 2- to 3- quart casserole dish. Top with shredded Italian cheese.1 cup 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
If you enjoyed this zucchini and ground beef casserole, you might also like these:
- Chicken with sun-dried tomato pesto sauce
- Zucchini and corn fritters
- Zucchini and yellow squash in the microwave
- Mississippi Chicken
- Jalapeno Popper Hasselback Chicken
- Butternut Squash Spaghetti Bake
- Keto Taco Casserole
- Air Fryer Broccoli
and check out the web story I made for this fun and delicious casserole!
Rob
It's funny, I invented this recipe on my own as well. I came up with the same flavors and strategy and it comes out great. I also have a Mexican version. I agree that it works without the meat. It's not quite as good. I bet this recipe has been invented thousands of times. I also didn't realize one of my "inventions" turned out to be Middle Eastern Shakshula which has probably been around for centuries. The things I come up with when emptying the fridge!
Sula
Sometimes the need to empty the fridge can make the best creations!
Gabriela Herrera
I love how easy this recipe is to veganize. I find these type of recipes great because not only can I enjoy them but so can my husband.
Sula
Oh yes, this will please most any palate!
Luca - Ruoka on valmis
Not a fan of meat but this looks really delicious. I sent the recipe to my family to try it out!
Sula
I'm sure they will love it!
Chrissie O.
This is DE-LISH with lentils cooked instead of ground beef!!! Gives a similar mouth feel/texture, and keeps is veggie + protein!!! You will NOT be disappointed!!! If you are doing lentils, watch your liquid accordingly, or cook separately and add at the end!!! Cheers!!!
Sula
I love the lentils idea - I think I'll try that for a meatless meal! Thanks for letting me know!
Gina Abernathy
Looks great! I am always looking for more ways to use my zucchini.
Sula
yes it seems like if you have zucchini, have a LOT!
Kayla DiMaggio
Yum! I loved every bit of this zucchini casserole it was so yummy and delicious!
Sula
Wonderful! We have it on repeat in this house!
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!
Cindy Jo
Oops! Missed the stars--5 stars all the way!
Sula
Thank you so much for your kind review 🙂
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!