Description
A delicious and healthy Zucchini Pizza Casserole that layers shredded zucchini with cheeses and a savory ground beef tomato sauce, baked to perfection for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini Base
- 4 cups unpeeled zucchini, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (half divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (half divided)
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce or marinara
- Remaining 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 400° F. Place shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible to avoid a watery casserole.
- Mix Zucchini Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
- Bake Zucchini Layer: Press the zucchini mixture evenly into a greased 13×9 inch baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to set the base.
- Cook Meat Sauce: While the zucchini layer bakes, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is no longer pink. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute. Drain excess fat.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce or marinara into the cooked beef mixture and simmer briefly to combine flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Remove the zucchini layer from the oven and spoon the meat sauce evenly over it. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses on top.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through, about 10 minutes longer.
Notes
- Pressing out zucchini moisture is crucial to prevent a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use fresh garlic or garlic powder according to preference.
- For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the meat sauce.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
