Name: Ground Beef and Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs zucchini (sliced into rounds); 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil; 1 large yellow onion (chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 lb ground beef (I like 90% lean); Salt & pepper (to taste); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ cup cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese); 14 oz can crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; ½ cup broth or water; ½ cup grated or shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese; Fresh basil (for garnish)

This easy ground beef and zucchini casserole is rich, cheesy, and protein-packed. It's a simple and delicious dish that is lightened up with cottage cheese and filled with veggies. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!

cottage cheese ground beef and zucchini casserole

Easy ground beef and zucchini casserole

Say hello to the most delicious ground beef and zucchini casserole! This is the best recipe because it is super easy to make, packed with flavor, full of protein, and unique. While many casseroles tend to be heavy, this one strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Think of this recipe as a lasagna makeover: zucchini replaces traditional noodles, and cottage cheese replaces ricotta. It delivers all the comforting flavors and textures of lasagna but with a healthier spin! Don't get me wrong—I love this chicken pesto lasagna—but if you want something a little lighter, try this!

What makes this recipe even better? It's perfect for beginners in the kitchen! With straightforward instructions, you'll breeze through the cooking process and feel like a culinary pro by the end. No fancy cooking skills are required—just simple, delicious results.

This cheesy beef and zucchini casserole is next-level delicious. We like to prep it on Sunday and save leftovers for the week. I cannot wait to hear what you think!

Why you'll love this recipe:

Rich & Flavorful: This casserole will never disappoint; it is that good!
Easy to Make: Quick and easy to cook.
Healthy: This casserole is lightened up with zucchini, cottage cheese, and broth.
Weeknight Recipe: It's perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping.
Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for meal prepping.
Balanced: This recipe is filled with vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.
High Protein: Each serving has 26 grams of protein!
Gluten-Free: No gluten in this recipe!
Kid Approved: Perfect for all types of eaters, even picky ones.
Try this delicious and cheesy Chicken Pesto Lasagna next!

cut up squares ground beef and zucchini casserole made with cottage cheese

Ingredients needed

This ground beef and zucchini casserole calls for simple and healthy ingredients. It's gluten-free, protein-packed, and easy to make. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:

Zucchini: it adds a fresh and nutritious base to the casserole. It's such a great way to lighten up this beef casserole. I recommend salting the zucchini to help draw out excess moisture, which prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Avocado Oil: Provides a healthy fat for sautéing the onions and garlic.
Yellow Onion: This adds savory flavor and aroma to the dish. Cooking tip: Saute the onions until soft and browned to sweetness and depth of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the best! Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Ground Beef: I love 90% lean ground beef; organic, grass-fed has the best flavor! It is high in protein and adds heartiness and substance.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste throughout the cooking process for balanced seasoning.
Seasonings: You'll need garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
Cottage Cheese: My secret ingredient to make this hearty beef and zucchini casserole healthier and lighter. Use cottage cheese for a lighter option or ricotta for a richer flavor.
Crushed Tomatoes: This forms the base of the sauce, adding tanginess and sweetness to ripe tomatoes.
Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste enhances the flavor and thickens the sauce.
Broth or Water: To help thin out the sauce. I like bone broth to add an extra 15 grams of protein.
Parmesan Cheese: You can use gated or shredded parmesan cheese. I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooeyness to the casserole. Part-skim mozzarella cheese works well for a lower-fat option.

Kitchen tools needed

Here is a quick list of all the kitchen tools you'll need to make this ground beef zucchini casserole

Chef's knife + Cutting board
Large skillet or pot
Wooden spoon or spatula
9x13 inch casserole dish
Oven mitts or kitchen gloves
Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
Measuring spoons + tools

all ingredients in beef and zucchini casserole in small bowls with lables

How to make zucchini casserole with ground beef

This ground beef and zucchini casserole is the perfect hassle-free weeknight dinner recipe! It's super easy to make in a few simple steps. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make this recipe; just scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.

Step 1:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2:

Next, slice the zucchini into rounds and place them in a colander in the sink. Sprinkle with salt to draw out excess water. Allow them to sit while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 3:

Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat in a large skillet or pot. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and beginning to brown, about 5-10 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

sautéing onions and garlic in a pan with olive oil

Step 4:

Now, add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned—season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Once the beef is cooked, add the crushed tomatoes, cottage cheese (or ricotta), ½ cups of parmesan cheese, tomato paste, and broth or water; stir until well combined.

browning ground beef in the same pan with onions and garlic

adding crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and seasonings

Step 5:

After that, shake the colander with the zucchini rounds to remove excess water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Then, spread the ground beef mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish and arrange most of the zucchini rounds on top of the beef mixture. I recommend reserving some for a final layer and leaving space for the beef and sauce to be visible.

zucchini rounds and ground beef sauce in casserole dish before baking

Step 6:

Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

Garnish the casserole with fresh basil before serving, and enjoy!

adding mozzarella cheese on top of the ground beef and zucchini casserole

baked ground beef and zucchini casserole in a dish out of the oven with gooey cheesy on top

Expert recipe tips:

Cottage Cheese vs. Ricotta: You can use either! Cottage cheese will lighten up this dish and add more protein, while ricotta will make it richer.
Quality Beef: I love using 90% lean, grass-fed, organic ground beef; it's a great way to lighten the casserole up a little and make sure the flavor is strong, but any ground beef will work!
Cheese Coverage: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for complete coverage. This ensures every bite is gooey and cheesy.
Make-Ahead Option: This dish is perfect for meal prep and entertaining! It can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days until ready to bake.
Resting Time: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.
Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole based on personal preferences. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition, or incorporate different cheeses for a unique twist.

close up of beef and zucchini casserole in baking dish

Easy ingredient substitutions:

Don't worry if you are missing an ingredient or two. Here is a list of the best, simple ingredient swaps:

Zucchini Substitutes: Yellow squash, eggplant, sweet potatoes. If you use potatoes, make sure you cut them into small triangles or bite-sized cubes.
Cottage Cheese Substitutes: Ricotta cheese is best for this recipe.
Ground Beef Substitutes: Ground turkey or chicken, lentils, Beyond Beef, or other plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Cheese Substitutes: Mozzarella cheese (cheddar, Gouda, Monterey Jack), vegan cheese.
Tomato Sauce Substitutes: Marinara sauce, homemade tomato sauce.
Broth Substitutes: Chicken or beef bone broth, water, or vegetable broth.

What to serve with zucchini casserole:

There are so many delicious side dishes that pair well with zucchini casserole. Here is a list:

Salad - I love this Kale Crunch Salad and this Watermelon Basil Salad
Garlic Bread - try this Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Roasted Vegetables or Air Fryer Vegetables - We love this Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini and Air Fryer Green Beans
Quinoa or Rice
Cornbread
Corn on the Cob
Caprese Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad or this Cucumber Carrot Salad
Steamed Vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute other vegetables for zucchini?

Yes, you can use other vegetables such as yellow squash, eggplant, or bell peppers in place of or in addition to zucchini for a variation in flavors and textures.

What's the best substitute for cottage cheese?

The best substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe would be ricotta cheese. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it an excellent alternative that complements the dish's flavors without overpowering them.

Can I use ground turkey or ground chicken?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. Just ensure it's fully cooked through before adding other ingredients.

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina, to customize the flavor of the casserole.

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze zucchini?

Yes, you can freeze zucchini. To freeze, blanch sliced or grated zucchini in boiling water for a few minutes, then plunge into ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain well, pat dry, and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze leftovers of this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to store and reheat ground beef zucchini casserole:

Storing: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before refrigerating.

Reheating: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave until heated through or place the entire casserole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.

lightened up ground beef and zucchini casserole

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Did you make this recipe?

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!

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Comments

5 from 6 votes (1 rating without comment)

Easy ground beef and zucchini casserole

Why you'll love this recipe:

Ingredients needed

Kitchen tools needed