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Unstuffed Zucchini Beef Casserole
Nawaal Ahmed

Easy Unstuffed Zucchini Beef Casserole

Cheesy Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole Bake
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 290

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450 g lean ground beef
  • 2 medium zucchini sliced into ½-inch rounds
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • cups 360 ml marinara sauce
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup 55 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup 30 g shredded Italian cheese blend
  • 1 tbsp fresh basil chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
  5. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.
  6. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.
  7. Mix in the marinara sauce, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  8. Simmer the mixture for several minutes until slightly thickened and flavorful.
  9. Fold in the sliced zucchini and stir until evenly coated with the sauce.
  10. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  11. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese and Italian cheese blend evenly over the top.
  12. Cover loosely with foil and bake until the zucchini begins to soften.
  13. Remove the foil and continue baking until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  14. Let the casserole rest for several minutes before serving.
  15. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Protein: 24 g
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 17 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 540 mg