Name: Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream

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There’s something irresistibly comforting about the Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole — a hearty, bubbly classic that’s equal parts savory and satisfying. Picture tender zucchini rounds nestled between layers of perfectly seasoned beef, tangy diced tomatoes, and a blend of three irresistible cheeses. It bakes up golden and gooey with just the right amount of creaminess, making it a reliable weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite. This recipe is a personal treasure, blending fresh, wholesome veggies with rich flavors the whole family will adore.

Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this casserole lies in its straightforward ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. From vibrant zucchini adding freshness and color to oozy, melty cheese, every component works in harmony for maximum flavor, comfort, and visual appeal.

Ground beef: Rich and filling, it forms the base of the casserole and pairs beautifully with all the cheesy goodness.
Zucchini: Sliced thin for even cooking, zucchini adds a tender bite and keeps everything moist without overpowering the dish.
Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the savory beef layer.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with aromatic warmth.
Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar melts into tangy richness and gives the casserole a familiar cheesy bite.
Mozzarella cheese: For that classic, stretchy cheese pull every casserole should have.
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds umami and a lovely golden crust on top when baked.
Diced tomatoes (canned, drained): Their subtle acidity brightens the whole casserole and balances out the richness.
Sour cream: Blends into the cheese for creamy, luscious layers that keep every bite moist.
Dried basil: A touch of herby aroma that lifts all the other flavors.
Dried oregano: Brings classic Italian-inspired notes and depth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Sprinkle in for a gentle kick and warmth if you want a little extra zing.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste for balanced flavors throughout.
Olive oil: For sautéing onion and garlic, adding richness and depth from the very first step.

How to Make Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil or nonstick spray to ensure the casserole slices come out easily and cleanly after baking.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant — this builds a savory foundation for your Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. After about 5-7 minutes, when the beef is browned and the excess moisture has evaporated, season generously with salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Finish the Meat Sauce

Stir the drained diced tomatoes into the beef mixture, letting their bright, tangy flavor marry with the meat. Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat so the mixture can cool slightly as you prep the next layer.

Step 5: Mix the Cheesy Layer

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream with half of both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. This forms a creamy, decadent layer that melts beautifully between the beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the sliced zucchini rounds in the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Cover with half of the beef and tomato mixture, then dollop and gently spread half of the cheesy sour cream mixture over the top. Repeat the zucchini, beef, and cheese layers in the same order until all the ingredients are used.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and all of the grated Parmesan evenly over the top layer. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, just until the top is bubbly and golden. Let it sit for 5 minutes before slicing to help everything set up for perfect servings.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley adds vibrant color and a hit of herbal freshness to your Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole. For even more flair, a little extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top just before serving brings excitement to both the look and taste.

Side Dishes

This casserole is comforting enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a simple green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread makes for an even more memorable meal. The freshness of the sides cuts through the richness, striking a perfect balance for any dinner table.

Creative Ways to Present

You can go beyond the classic casserole approach by baking individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties or special occasions. Or, serve generous spoonfuls over cooked quinoa or cauliflower rice for a heartier, nutritious twist that keeps all the cheesy, beefy flavors front and center.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply transfer cooled portions into airtight containers to retain moisture and flavor. The mixture of cheese and veggies tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well, making it an excellent meal prep option. Once baked and cooled, wrap individual pieces or the whole dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbling — about 20 minutes. Microwaving individual slices also works well, just cover lightly with a damp paper towel to keep the cheese moist and melty.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep an eye on seasoning, as poultry might need an extra pinch of salt or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to boost savory depth.

Is this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole low carb?

Yes, this casserole is naturally low in carbs, especially if you use full-fat dairy and skip the tomatoes as suggested in the notes. The zucchini and hearty proteins make it both satisfying and low in carbohydrates without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole through the final cheese layer, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake — you may need to add a few extra minutes since it will be cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to slice zucchini for this recipe?

Use a sharp knife or mandoline to get thin, even rounds — about 1/4-inch thick is ideal. This ensures the zucchini cooks through and keeps its pleasant, tender texture without becoming too watery.

Does the casserole reheat well for meal prep?

Yes, Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole makes fantastic leftovers. The flavors meld overnight, making each slice even more delicious the next day, whether packed as lunch or reheated for a stress-free dinner.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new comfort food favorite that combines veggies with the bold flavors of beef and melty cheese, Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole might just become your go-to. It’s hearty, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser — so go ahead, gather your ingredients and give it a try!

Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and satisfying low-carb dish that combines flavorful ground beef, tender zucchini, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection. A comforting and hearty meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil

Zucchini Layers:

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds

Cheese Mixture:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup sour cream

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil, cook onion, garlic, and beef. Season with spices and add diced tomatoes.
Prepare the cheese mixture: Combine sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella.
Layer the casserole: In a baking dish, layer zucchini, beef mixture, and cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
Bake: Top with remaining cheeses, cover with foil, and bake. Remove foil and bake until golden.
Serve: Let rest before serving.