Description
A delicious and hearty zucchini pizza casserole featuring shredded zucchini, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses baked to perfection. This casserole combines the freshness of zucchini with classic pizza flavors in a comforting baked dish.
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 (divided)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400° F, ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking.
- Prepare Zucchini: Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, squeeze out as much moisture as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
- Mix Zucchini Base: In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup), and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). Mix until evenly incorporated.
- Form Base Layer: Grease a 13×9 inch baking dish, then press the zucchini mixture evenly into the dish to form the base layer. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Cook Meat Sauce: While the zucchini base is baking, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and 1/2 cup chopped white onion. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Drain excess fat from the pan.
- Add Sauce: Stir in the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce or marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Heat through briefly, then spoon this meat sauce evenly over the baked zucchini base when it comes out of the oven.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (1 cup) and cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) evenly over the meat sauce layer. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for about 10 minutes more, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, allow to cool slightly, then cut into 12 servings and serve warm.
Notes
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini to prevent a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use low-fat cheeses to reduce calories and fat content.
- Add Italian seasoning or fresh basil to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before final baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 550 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: 80 mg
