Hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is everything you want in a comforting meal without the heaviness of pasta or rice. Layers of juicy ground beef, tender zucchini, rich tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella come together in a wholesome, low-carb dish that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to win over even the pickiest eaters!
2 medium zucchinis (about 2 lbs), sliced into ½-inch rounds
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb lean ground beef
2 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Prep Zucchini: Place zucchini rounds in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and toss to coat. Let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry.
Cook Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook 2 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned—about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor: Stir in tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
Assemble: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In an 8×8-inch baking dish, layer half the beef mixture, half the zucchini, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
Bake: Bake 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Don’t skip salting the zucchini! It removes excess water and prevents a soggy casserole.
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melt and flavor.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat.