Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole. I always make sure to have fresh ingredients on hand for the best flavor:
1 tablespoon olive oil– for sautéing, I prefer extra virgin.
1 medium onion, chopped – finely chopped helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce.
1 pound lean ground beef – using lean ground beef prevents an overly greasy dish. For those across the pond, this is your savory beef mince.
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds so much aromatic depth.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – these add moisture and a lovely tang to the sauce.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – my secret for that classic, comforting flavor profile.
½ teaspoon salt – essential for balancing all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground makes a difference.
3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced – these tender courgette slices are the star of our dish.
2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar) – for that irresistible bubbly, golden-brown topping.
How to Make Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini
Making this dish is straightforward, and I promise you’ll find the process incredibly rewarding as the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. It’s truly satisfying to see fresh ingredients transform into such a wonderful meal.
Step 1: First, I like to gather all my ingredients on the counter. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, ensuring nothing is missed.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and incredibly fragrant. This is where the foundation of flavor begins!
Step 3: Now, add the 1 pound lean ground beef and 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook until the ground beef is completely browned, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary. This is a key step in how to cook ground beef and zucchini correctly for optimal flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Let this savory mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a rich sauce for your Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini.
Step 5: While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Arrange half of your thinly sliced zucchini in an even layer over the bottom of the dish. I love how the vibrant green contrasts with the rich red sauce!
Step 7: Spoon half of the delicious ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. This ensures every bite gets a taste of that incredible flavor.
Step 8: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini and then the rest of the ground beef mixture. This creates a beautiful, hearty casserole.
Step 9: Generously sprinkle the 2 cups shredded cheese blend over the top layer of the casserole. I always make sure to get good coverage, as that golden, bubbly cheese is one of the best parts! Learning how to cook ground beef and zucchini into a casserole like this is incredibly satisfying.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The cheese should be perfectly melted and slightly browned.
Step 11: Remove the Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve. – for sautéing, I prefer extra virgin.
1 medium onion, chopped – finely chopped helps it blend seamlessly into the sauce.
1 pound lean ground beef – using lean ground beef prevents an overly greasy dish. For those across the pond, this is your savory beef mince.
3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic adds so much aromatic depth.
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – these add moisture and a lovely tang to the sauce.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning – my secret for that classic, comforting flavor profile.
½ teaspoon salt – essential for balancing all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground makes a difference.
3 medium zucchini, thinly sliced – these tender courgette slices are the star of our dish.
2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella and cheddar) – for that irresistible bubbly, golden-brown topping.
How to Make Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini
Making this dish is straightforward, and I promise you’ll find the process incredibly rewarding as the delicious aromas fill your kitchen. It’s truly satisfying to see fresh ingredients transform into such a wonderful meal.
Step 1: First, I like to gather all my ingredients on the counter. This makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable, ensuring nothing is missed.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and incredibly fragrant. This is where the foundation of flavor begins!
Step 3: Now, add the 1 pound lean ground beef and 3 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Break the beef apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue to cook until the ground beef is completely browned, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary. This is a key step in how to cook ground beef and zucchini correctly for optimal flavor.
Step 4: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Let this savory mixture simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together, creating a rich sauce for your Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini.
Step 5: While the beef simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the ground beef mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 6: Arrange half of your thinly sliced zucchini in an even layer over the bottom of the dish. I love how the vibrant green contrasts with the rich red sauce!
Step 7: Spoon half of the delicious ground beef mixture evenly over the zucchini layer. This ensures every bite gets a taste of that incredible flavor.
Step 8: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini and then the rest of the ground beef mixture. This creates a beautiful, hearty casserole.
Step 9: Generously sprinkle the 2 cups shredded cheese blend over the top layer of the casserole. I always make sure to get good coverage, as that golden, bubbly cheese is one of the best parts! Learning how to cook ground beef and zucchini into a casserole like this is incredibly satisfying.
Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. The cheese should be perfectly melted and slightly browned.
Step 11: Remove the Comforting Ground Beef Zucchini from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.