Easy Zucchini and Ground Beef Pizza Casserole 🍕
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Description:
This Easy Zucchini and Ground Beef Pizza Casserole is a speedy and delectable dish, perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave the flavors of pizza without all the fuss! The zucchini forms a nutritious base, complemented by savory ground beef, gooey cheeses, and aromatic seasonings. Customize it with your favorite pizza sauce for a meal that will satisfy the whole family! 🥳
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Zucchinis |
| 1/2 | tsp Salt |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 1/2 | cup Parmesan Cheese, grated |
| 1 | cup Cheddar Cheese, shredded |
| 2 | cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded |
| 1 | lb Ground Beef |
| 1 | clove Fresh Garlic, minced |
| 1 | Onion, diced |
| 1 – 2 | cups Italian-style Tomato Sauce |
| Green Pepper, diced (for topping) |
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). 🌡️
-
Prepare Pan: Grease a 13×9 inch baking pan, ensuring the casserole won’t stick. 🍽️
-
Prep Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
- Place the zucchini slices in a strainer and sprinkle them with salt, allowing them to drain for about 10 minutes. This helps remove excess moisture. 💧
- After 10 minutes, squeeze out any remaining moisture from the zucchini slices.
-
Mix Zucchini Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini slices with eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. 🧀
- Mix everything well until evenly combined.
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Assemble Casserole:
- Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the greased 13×9 inch baking pan, creating a solid base for your casserole. 🥒
-
Bake First Layer:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the zucchini base at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This will help it set and cook through.
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Prepare Beef Topping:
- While the zucchini base is baking, it’s time to prepare the savory beef topping.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with minced garlic and diced onions. Season with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. 🍳
- Once the beef is fully cooked and the onions are translucent, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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Add Tomato Sauce:
- To the cooked beef mixture, add 1 to 2 cups of your favorite Italian-style tomato sauce, depending on your preference for sauciness. 🍅
- Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld and create a rich, savory sauce.
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Layer and Bake:
- When the zucchini base has finished baking, remove it from the oven.
- Spoon the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the baked zucchini layer, spreading it out to cover the entire surface. 🥩
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on top of the beef layer, adding a deliciously gooey and cheesy finish. 🧀
- Finally, scatter the diced green peppers over the cheese layer, adding a pop of color and fresh flavor.
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Final Bake:
- Return the assembled casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown. 🌟
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Serve and Enjoy!
- Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing into generous portions.
- Serve this Easy Zucchini and Ground Beef Pizza Casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the delicious flavors and textures in every bite! 🍽️🥂
Recipe Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to customize this casserole with your favorite pizza toppings! Consider adding sliced mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, or any other toppings you love on your pizza. 🍄🫒🍕
- Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing Instructions: You can also freeze this casserole for future meals! After assembling but before baking, cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. 🥶✨
Now, get ready to savor the delightful flavors of pizza in a comforting and easy-to-make casserole that’s perfect for any night of the week! Bon appétit! 🍕🥳
