Name: Zucchini Hamburger Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1 egg; 2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend; ¼ cup milk; garlic bread or pasta, for serving, optional

Description

Zucchini Hamburger Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together the irresistible flavors of lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, and a blend of Italian cheeses. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a hearty meal that the whole family will love. With simple prep and mouthwatering results, this dish stands out in the realm of homemade recipes.

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
1 egg
2 cups shredded Italian cheese blend
¼ cup milk
garlic bread or pasta, for serving, optional

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Slice the zucchini in half lengthwise, then cut into ½-inch moons.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, salt, and pepper, cooking until zucchini softens, about 3 to 6 minutes. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In the same skillet, add ground beef and onion, cooking until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes. Add this mixture to the baking dish and gently mix with the zucchini.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk. Stir in cheese until coated with the egg mixture. Spoon this cheese blend evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding additional vegetables like bell peppers.
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils.
Allow the casserole to cool before storing leftovers in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 410
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 105mg