Cheesy Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole

If you are looking for a weeknight dinner that satisfies heavy comfort-food cravings while keeping things light, low-carb, and packed with veggies, this Cheesy Zucchini and Ground Beef Casserole is your answer. It layers tender slices of fresh zucchini with a savory, seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce, then blankets the entire dish in a golden, bubbling sea of melted cheese.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb & Keto Friendly: Swapping out traditional pasta or potatoes for zucchini gives you all the comforting bulk of a classic casserole with a fraction of the carbs.

• Family Approved: Even picky eaters won’t mind the vegetables when they are smothered in rich marinara and a double layer of melted mozzarella and cheddar.

• Make-Ahead Ready: It assembles quickly and holds up wonderfully, making it ideal for meal prepping or busy weeknight schedules.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 or lean)

• 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into round discs or half-moons

• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1.5 cups marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and ground beef, cooking until the meat is fully browned and the onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat.

3. Build the Sauce: Stir the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce into the beef. Let it simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.

4. Layer the Zucchini: Arrange half of your zucchini slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

5. Add the Meat and Cheese: Spoon half of the meat sauce mixture directly over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the top.

6. Repeat the Layers: Add the remaining zucchini slices, followed by the rest of the meat sauce.

7. The Grand Finale: Top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella and the sharp cheddar cheese.

8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden-brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.