Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe
My husband has a hearty appetite—our two kids never tire of pizza—and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty, tomatoey casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer!
My husband has a hearty appetite—our two kids never tire of pizza—and I grow lots of zucchini. So this tasty, tomatoey casserole is absolutely tops with us throughout the entire year. Once you've tried the recipe, you may even decide to grow more zucchini in your own garden next summer!
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 medium green pepper chopped
- 4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
- 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 can (15 ounces) italian tomato sauce
- Carbohydrate 4.29428389015718 g
- Cholesterol 56.7071352713387 mg
- Fat 12.938457029308 g
- Fiber 0.565305571562267 g
- Protein 17.3257285993325 g
- Saturated Fat 5.39642084940105 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (154g)
- Sodium 157.609271892739 mg
- Sugar 3.72897831859492 g
- Trans Fat 1.72692580852442 g
- Calories 206 calories
Step-by-step
- Place zucchini in strainer; sprinkle with salt. Let stand for 10 minutes. Squeeze out moisture.
- Combine zucchini with the eggs, Parmesan and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Press into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add tomato sauce; spoon over zucchini mixture.
- Sprinkle with remaining cheeses; add green pepper. Bake 20 minutes longer or until heated through.
- Freeze option: Cool baked casserole; cover and freeze. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Unwrap casserole; reheat on a lower oven rack until heated through and a thermometer inserted in center reads 165 degrees.
My Family's Favorite Zucchini Pizza Casserole
As a busy mom, I'm always looking for quick, easy, and delicious meals that the whole family will enjoy. This Zucchini Pizza Casserole has become a staple in our household, a true crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters devour. It's a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.
The best part? It cleverly incorporates zucchini, a vegetable I always have plenty of thanks to my little kitchen garden. I love the versatility of zucchini; it's mild flavor means it blends beautifully with so many other ingredients, and in this recipe, it adds a surprising depth of flavor and a satisfying texture to the casserole without overpowering the pizza-inspired taste profile. My secret? I always make sure to thoroughly squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the mix; this step is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
The recipe itself is incredibly simple to follow. It's a one-pan wonder, limiting cleanup and making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses creates a comforting and flavorful experience that always leaves my family wanting more. Plus, it's easily adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add your favorite herbs and spices, or even swap the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
I often double the recipe when we have guests over, and it’s always a hit. The casserole freezes beautifully too, which is a lifesaver on those days when time is especially short. Simply thaw overnight and reheat, and you have a delicious, home-cooked meal ready in a flash. It's a recipe I’ve passed down to friends and family, and it’s always received with enthusiastic praise. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to simple, wholesome cooking and the joy of sharing a delicious meal together. It reminds me of cozy nights, family laughter, and the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal filling the air – a sentiment I cherish deeply.
Beyond the deliciousness and ease, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. It embodies the simple joys of home cooking, the satisfaction of using fresh, homegrown ingredients, and the love that goes into creating a meal for those you cherish. It's a recipe that’s evolved with my family, becoming a symbol of our shared memories and culinary adventures. And it’s a tradition I hope to continue for years to come, passing it on to my children so they too can create their own special memories around this comforting and delicious casserole.
So, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, give this Zucchini Pizza Casserole a try. You won’t be disappointed! The recipe is straightforward, the flavors are irresistible, and the outcome is a meal that’s guaranteed to please even the most discerning palates. Enjoy!
