Let’s talk about dinnertime stress for a second. You just wrapped up a day full of meetings, errands, or (let’s be honest) trying to keep small humans alive—and the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” chorus starts up. Enter this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole, the comfort food your weeknight’s been dreaming of. It’s hearty, satisfying, and yes—it’s a low-carb casserole that won’t make you feel like you’re missing out on anything delicious.
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count. It was born from one of those “what can I do with these zucchinis before they go mushy in the fridge?” moments. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be a family favorite, and now it’s on regular rotation in my kitchen. It’s cheesy, saucy, and meaty—without needing a carb-loaded pasta to feel like a full meal.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Aside from the fact that it’ll have your whole house smelling like an Italian grandmother’s kitchen, here are a few reasons to add this to your weeknight menu:
- Fast Prep, Big Flavor: You’re looking at just 15 minutes of prep time. That’s less time than it takes to argue over what to order from DoorDash.
- Low-Carb, High Comfort: Swapping zucchini for pasta keeps the carbs in check without sacrificing the cozy factor.
- Picky-Eater Approved: My kids (who turn their noses up at “green stuff”) scarf this down like it’s pizza.
- Leftovers for the Win: It reheats like a dream. Monday’s dinner can also be Wednesday’s lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy here—just a few pantry and fridge staples:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tsp dried basil (optional)
Quick tip: If you have Italian seasoning on hand, you can swap it in for the oregano and basil.
Let’s Cook: Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives you just enough time to prep everything else.
2️⃣ Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain the extra fat—unless you like your casseroles swimming in beef juice (hey, no judgment!).
3️⃣ Add Flavor
Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors can mingle like old friends at a potluck.
4️⃣ Layer Up
In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, place half the zucchini slices on the bottom. Pour half the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining zucchini, beef, and cheese. You should now have a dreamy, layered masterpiece.
5️⃣ Bake and Bubble
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10–15 more minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Your kitchen will smell amazing.
6️⃣ Rest and Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit—plus it saves your tongue from lava-cheese burns.
Bliss Tips for the Best Casserole
- Dealing with watery zucchini? Salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes before patting dry. This keeps your casserole from turning into soup.
- Cheese switch-up: Mozzarella is classic, but a little shredded cheddar or parmesan on top adds a sharp, salty punch.
- Feeling spicy? A pinch of crushed red pepper in the beef mixture gives it just enough kick to wake up your taste buds.
And if you’re the meal-prep type (you overachiever, you), this casserole is perfect for freezing. Wrap it tightly after baking and stash it in the freezer for up to three months.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
I first made this dish after a long day homeschooling two kids while trying to hit a work deadline. Let’s just say the emotional cocktail was real. I had ground beef, a couple of sad zucchinis, and mozzarella. The casserole happened out of desperation—but the second my husband asked for seconds and the kids asked if it was “pizza lasagna,” I knew I had something special.
Now, it’s what I make when I need a reset button in casserole form.
FAQs About This Hearty, Low-Carb Casserole
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Totally. Just be sure to add a little olive oil when browning since they’re leaner meats.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just pop a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven. (Leftover safety guidelines from the USDA)
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Bake it, let it cool, wrap it tight, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Try This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole Tonight!
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole might just become your go-to solution for those hectic evenings. It’s a hearty, low-carb dinner that brings real comfort to the table—without a carb crash afterward. I love recipes that let me serve up something cozy without overcomplicating my night—and this one hits all the marks.