Description
Zucchini pizza casserole delivers classic Italian flavors with a healthy garden-fresh twist. Hearty layers of tender zucchini, melted cheese, and savory pizza sauce promise comfort and satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Vegetables:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup sliced pepperoni
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for baking.
- Grate zucchini thoroughly, then extract maximum moisture by firmly pressing with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet, carefully draining any accumulated fat to keep the dish light.
- Create a robust mixture by combining the prepared zucchini, seasoned beef, aromatic tomato sauce, minced garlic, and selected herbs.
- Transfer the integrated mixture into a prepared casserole dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
- Generously sprinkle a blend of complementary cheeses over the entire casserole, covering the mixture completely.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a golden, bubbling cheese topping that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Pat zucchini dry thoroughly after squeezing to prevent watery casserole and ensure crisp texture.
- For low-carb version, replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for lighter protein option.
- Try different cheese blends like mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar to customize flavor profile and add depth.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for increased nutrition and more complex taste without compromising core recipe.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 333 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg