Description

This Zucchini Hamburger Casserole features a delightful mix of tender zucchini, savory ground beef, and melty cheese, making it the perfect comfort food for a quick family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 to 2½ pounds zucchini (about 3 to 4 medium)
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
1 pound lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, gently drained
garlic bread or pasta (for serving, optional)
1 egg
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
¼ cup milk

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise and then into ½-inch moons.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the zucchini, salt, and pepper. Cook until the zucchini starts to soften, about 3 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In the same skillet, cook the ground beef and onion until no pink remains, then drain any fat.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add this mixture to the baking dish and gently stir to combine with the zucchini.
In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk, then stir in the cheese until coated. Spoon this cheese mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly, and the topping is melted and lightly browned.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken.

Notes

Ensure the zucchini is not too watery, you can pat it dry with a paper towel after cooking to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for lean ground beef.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg