Cheesy Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
A robust, low-carb main dish featuring savory seasoned ground beef and tender zucchini rounds bound together by a decadent, melty layer of mozzarella cheese. By utilizing high-heat searing to develop deep crust on the beef and carefully layering flavors with a rich tomato base, this casserole achieves a perfect balance of texture and umami. It is an efficient, family-friendly meal that relies on clean ingredients without any pork or alcohol-based flavorings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low-carb
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) Ground Beef (85/15 lean)
2 medium Zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 cup (240ml) Tomato Sauce (no added sugar)
1.5 cups (170g) Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat your conventional oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×9 inch baking dish.
Heat a large skillet over high heat and add the ground beef.
Sear the beef until it develops a deep brown crust to maximize the Maillard reaction.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika while cooking.
Drain any excess fat if desired and stir in the tomato sauce.
Spread a small amount of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
Arrange a layer of zucchini rounds over the beef mixture.
Repeat the layers until everything is used, finishing with the remaining beef mixture on top.
Cover and bake for 20 minutes to tenderize the zucchini.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Notes
Ensure zucchini slices are uniform in thickness to prevent uneven cooking. You can add dried oregano or garlic powder for extra flavor depth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://kindeat.com/cheesy-ground-beef-zucchini-casserole/