Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, cheesy dish that combines comfort food with a touch of veggie goodness, this Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is going to hit the spot! Picture tender, juicy beef, layers of zucchini, and a gooey blanket of melted cheese all baked together into one delicious casserole. It’s the perfect way to sneak in some veggies without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

• Comforting & Satisfying: The combo of savory beef, melted cheese, and tender zucchini will warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
• Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a master chef to make this dish. The steps are simple, and it comes together quickly.
• Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for a family dinner, or make it ahead and store leftovers for a quick lunch or dinner later in the week.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in different cheeses or add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for a variation.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this cheesy masterpiece:

• Ground Beef: The savory foundation of this casserole. It brings in that rich, juicy flavor that makes this dish so satisfying.
• Zucchini: Fresh and mild, zucchini adds a veggie boost and some nice texture, soaking up all the savory goodness from the beef and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty and gooey, this cheese is perfect for giving the casserole its cheesy, comforting flavor. You can use sharp or mild, depending on your preference.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a creamy richness that binds everything together and takes the casserole’s texture to the next level.
• Garlic Powder: For that delicious aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with the beef and cheese.
• Onion Powder: Adds a bit of savory sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
• Egg: Helps to hold the casserole together and gives it structure.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the zucchini and beef.

(Note: The full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole!

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot while you prepare the casserole.

Sauté the Beef:

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat, and then stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set the beef aside.

Prepare the Zucchini:

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the zucchini slices over medium heat for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. You want them tender, but not mushy. Remove from heat.

Make the Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg and combine it with the cream cheese, mixing until smooth. Then, stir in half of the cheddar cheese.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the sautéed zucchini on the bottom. Top with the cooked ground beef, spreading it evenly. Add the remaining zucchini on top, then pour the creamy cheese mixture over everything. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake:

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Cool and Serve:

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing into it. Serve warm and enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6
• Calories per serving: 400 kcal (estimate)
• Protein per serving: 25g (estimate)
• Fat per serving: 30g (estimate)
• Carbs per serving: 7g (estimate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole

This casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

• With a Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad for some freshness that contrasts the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up any cheesy goodness left on the plate.
• Steamed Veggies: If you want even more veggies, serve it alongside steamed broccoli or green beans.
• Topped with Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy finish.

Additional Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and cook as directed.
• Customize the Cheese: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can try mozzarella, provolone, or even a blend of different cheeses for a unique twist.
• Add More Veggies: If you’re looking to add more veggies, try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
• Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for extra kick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A1: Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken works as a great substitute for ground beef.

Q2: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A2: Fresh zucchini is recommended, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Q3: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A3: Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake as directed.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q6: How can I make this casserole dairy-free?
A6: Use a dairy-free cheese and cream cheese alternative. Make sure the protein powder you use is dairy-free if that’s important for you.

Q7: Can I add more cheese on top?
A7: Absolutely! If you love extra cheesy dishes, feel free to pile on more cheese before baking.

Q8: Can I add pasta to the casserole?
A8: Yes, you can mix in cooked pasta for a heartier meal. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q9: How can I make this casserole spicier?
A9: Add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the beef mixture for some extra heat.

Q10: Can I use a different protein like ground chicken or pork?
A10: Yes, ground chicken or pork would work well in this casserole. It will change the flavor a bit but still be delicious.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef & Zucchini Casserole is the perfect comfort food that combines savory beef, fresh zucchini, and gooey cheese into one delicious, satisfying dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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