This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating. It’s layered with seasoned ground beef, tender zucchini slices, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese — making it hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly light.
It’s low in carbs, high in flavor, and a great way to use up summer zucchini. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love It
- Low-carb and gluten-free, but totally filling
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
- Easily customizable with more veggies or cheese
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
- 2 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups tomato sauce (or marinara)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: chopped basil, crushed red pepper, ricotta layer
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.
- Season with Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and stir in the tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer the casserole: Spread a small amount of meat sauce in the baking dish, then layer zucchini slices, meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat 2–3 layers.
- Top with remaining cheese and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Optional Add-Ins
- Add ricotta or cottage cheese for a lasagna-style layer
- Mix in mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Swap in yellow squash or eggplant if needed
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Freeze portions for up to 2 months (best before baking)
- Reheat in microwave or oven until warmed through
Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a healthy, satisfying meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. It’s cheesy, meaty, and loaded with wholesome veggies — the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again when you need something easy, hearty, and crowd-pleasing.