Description
A delicious and hearty casserole made with ground beef, zucchini, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the cooked rice at this stage. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the zucchini is slightly tender.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, and try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg