Hearty Zucchini Beef Bake with Cheesy Delight
Zucchini-Beef Italian
Description
Indulge in a hearty Zucchini-Beef Italian dish that combines the rich flavors of lean ground beef and sweet Italian sausage with fresh vegetables, topped with a delightful blend of cheeses. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to please the entire family.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | ½ medium |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves | 2-4 cloves |
| Lean ground beef | ½ pound |
| Sweet Italian sausage link | 1-2 links |
| Zucchini | 1 medium |
| Tomatoes | 1 medium |
| Dried oregano | ½ teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Tabasco sauce | to taste |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320.2 kcal |
| Total Fat | 18.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 73.7 mg |
| Sodium | 90.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 13.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugars | 6.6 g |
| Protein | 25.4 g |
Instructions
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Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Brown the Meat: Crumble the lean ground beef and sweet Italian sausage into the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
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Combine Ingredients: Gently stir in the sliced zucchini, diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and Tabasco sauce to the skillet, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften.
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Prepare for Baking: Transfer the mixture into a 1-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese generously over the top.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm, and share the love!
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Recipe Category
- Vegetable
- Meat
- Low Cholesterol
- Healthy
- Oven
- Stove Top
With its vibrant ingredients and satisfying flavors, this Zucchini-Beef Italian recipe is an ultimate comfort food that brings family and friends together at the dinner table. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and the ease of preparation that makes it a standout choice for your weekly meal planning!
