Cheesy Beef Zucchini Casserole (Printable Version)
Tender zucchini layers with seasoned beef and golden cheesy topping make this comforting bake ideal for family dinners.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Dairy
05 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup milk
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pantry
09 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
10 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
14 - 1/2 tsp paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp salt
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# How-To:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat.
03 - Add onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes to meld flavors, then remove from heat.
05 - In a separate bowl, combine sour cream, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and well blended.
06 - Arrange half of the zucchini slices in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
07 - Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
08 - Dollop half of the sour cream mixture over the beef and gently spread to cover.
09 - Repeat layers with remaining zucchini slices, beef mixture, and sour cream mixture.
10 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Drizzle with remaining olive oil.
11 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
12 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
13 - Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The layers of tender zucchini and seasoned beef create that perfect forkful every single time
- It reheats beautifully and somehow tastes even better the next day
- The golden cheesy crust makes everyone rush to the table
02 -
- Draining the tomatoes is not optional unless you want a watery casserole
- Letting it rest before cutting makes the difference between neat slices and a sloppy mess
- The foil step is crucial so the top does not burn before the inside is hot
03 -
- Grate your own cheese because pre shredded cheese has anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels if they seem especially wet