Name: Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 3/4 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Description

A heartwarming casserole featuring layers of ground beef and zucchini in a creamy cheese blend. Perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 tbsp tomato paste
3 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
3/4 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft, stir in garlic, and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until browned.
Stir in drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste, simmer for 5 minutes.
Slice zucchini into 1/4 inch rounds, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 10 minutes, pat dry, and season with pepper and oregano.
In a medium bowl, combine sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and the beaten egg. Mix until smooth.
Layer half of the zucchini in the casserole dish, followed by half of the beef mixture, then half of the creamy mixture. Repeat with remaining layers and top with cheddar cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a healthier alternative, consider using lean turkey or adding more vegetables.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg