Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole

Looking for a cozy, protein-packed dish that’s loaded with veggies and cheese? This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Juicy ground beef is sautéed with garlic and onion, then layered with tender zucchini and topped with melty cheese for a satisfying baked dish the whole family will enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low-Carb & Filling – A wholesome casserole without pasta or potatoes
Cheesy & Satisfying – Gooey, golden topping in every bite
Easy to Prep – Simple ingredients, big flavor
Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully
Kid-Friendly – A tasty way to sneak in extra veggies

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ground beef
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet
Mixing bowl
9×9 or similar-sized casserole dish
Whisk
Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
Grease a casserole dish with olive oil or non-stick spray

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef Mixture
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat
Add diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened
Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds
Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon
Cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes
Season with Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper
Drain excess fat if needed

Step 3: Prepare the Zucchini
Slice zucchini into ¼-inch rounds
Lightly salt and pat dry with a paper towel to reduce moisture

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread half of the zucchini slices in the bottom of the casserole dish
Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the zucchini
Add the remaining zucchini on top
In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk
Pour egg mixture evenly over the casserole
Top with cheddar, mozzarella, and optional Parmesan

Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly
Let cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing

Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm
Pair with a green salad or crusty bread if desired

Tips for the Best Zucchini Casserole
Pat Zucchini Dry – This keeps the casserole from becoming watery
Use Full-Fat Cheese – Melts better and adds rich flavor
Add Extra Veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach work great
Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the beef
Double for a Crowd – Easily scaled up for meal prep or potlucks

Serving Suggestions
With a Side Salad – A crisp romaine or arugula salad balances the richness
With Rice – Serve over cooked rice or cauliflower rice
In a Wrap – Leftovers make an awesome wrap filling
As a Main Dish – Complete with a simple veggie soup starter
As a Brunch Option – Great alongside eggs and roasted tomatoes

How to Store & Reheat

Storing
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in foil or use freezer-safe containers)

Reheating
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes
Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot
Air Fryer: 320°F (160°C) for 5–7 minutes for a crisp top

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken both work great in this recipe.

How do I keep it from being too watery?
Salt the zucchini slices first and pat them dry, and avoid overbaking.

Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap ground beef with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based meat.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate, then bake when ready.

Final Thoughts
This Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a simple, nourishing dish packed with flavor, texture, and comfort. With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a wholesome family meal that satisfies without the fuss. It’s cheesy, hearty, and endlessly customizable—perfect for any day of the week.
Try it out, and don’t forget to share your version—I’d love to see what you create!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 480mg

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