Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
A hearty and healthy casserole combining tender zucchini, savory ground beef, and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 lbs zucchini (sliced into rounds)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 lb ground beef (I like 90% lean)
- Salt & pepper Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese)
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ cup broth or water
- ½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice zucchini, salt, and sit for 10 minutes. Pat dry.
- Sauté onion in oil until softened, add garlic, then brown beef. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in seasonings, tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, cottage cheese, and parmesan. Simmer 2–3 min.
- Mix half the zucchini into the beef mixture. Spread in a greased 9×13 dish, top with remaining zucchini.
- Bake for 15 min, add mozzarella, then bake another 10–15 min until cheese melts and browns. Rest 5–10 min, garnish with basil, and serve.
Notes
For a lower sodium version, reduce salt and use low-sodium broth.