This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a savory, satisfying dish that’s loaded with flavor but light on carbs. It combines seasoned ground beef, sautéed zucchini, onions, and garlic, all baked together with a creamy tomato sauce and bubbly melted cheese on top.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or using up fresh garden zucchini—it’s a delicious, budget-friendly comfort food your whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- ✅ Naturally low-carb and gluten-free
- ✅ Packed with protein and veggies
- ✅ Comforting, cheesy, and filling
- ✅ Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
- ✅ A tasty way to use up extra zucchini
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced or chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup marinara or tomato sauce
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for creaminess)
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- Olive oil, for sautéing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat. Add diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened.
Step 3: Add Zucchini
Stir in chopped zucchini and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 4: Add Sauce & Layer
Stir in tomato sauce and sour cream (if using). Pour mixture into the casserole dish and top evenly with shredded cheese and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Variations
- 🧀 Use ricotta or cream cheese for a lasagna-style version
- 🍅 Add diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers
- 🌶️ Spice it up with red pepper flakes or taco seasoning
- 🍝 Layer with cooked pasta or rice if carbs aren’t a concern
Perfect For:
- 🍽️ Weeknight dinners
- 🥒 Garden zucchini overload
- 🧊 Freezer meal prep
- 🥗 Low-carb lifestyle or keto diets
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, nourishing dish that’s big on flavor and comfort while keeping things light and nutritious. It’s a versatile, cheesy bake that works great for any night of the week.