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To make a tasty zucchini hamburger casserole, gather these items: - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced - 1 lb ground beef or turkey - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup ricotta cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can swap some ingredients for different flavors. Use ground chicken or even tofu instead of beef or turkey. For cheese, try cottage cheese if you want less fat. You can also use spinach or bell peppers instead of zucchini for a twist. If you lack fresh herbs, dried ones work fine too. Fresh ingredients create the best flavors in this dish. Use fresh zucchinis and tomatoes for a crisp bite. However, if you are short on time, canned tomatoes can be a quick option. Just make sure to drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then, add the diced onion. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft. Next, add minced garlic and ground beef or turkey. Cook until the meat is brown, breaking it up as it cooks, which takes about 6-8 minutes. If there's excess fat, drain it. Mix in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Finally, take the skillet off the heat and set it aside. Grab a 9x13 inch casserole dish and layer half of the sliced zucchinis on the bottom. Then, spread half of the cooked meat mixture over this zucchini layer. Top it with half of the halved cherry tomatoes. Next, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over everything. Repeat these layers with the remaining zucchinis, meat mixture, tomatoes, ricotta, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 15 minutes. Look for the cheese to be bubbly and lightly golden. Once baked, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps flavors meld together. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a nice finish. Enjoy your tasty dish! When picking zucchini, look for firm, shiny ones. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. Small to medium zucchinis taste better and have fewer seeds. Fresh zucchinis make your casserole taste great. You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Just follow the steps, then cover and chill it. When ready to cook, bake it straight from the fridge. This saves time on busy nights. To reheat leftovers, use the oven. Heat at 350°F (175°C) until warm. One mistake is overcooking the zucchini. This can make them mushy. Layer the zucchini and meat properly for even cooking. Don’t skip the resting time after baking. This helps the casserole set, making serving easier. Finally, use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Zucchini: Opt for firm, fresh zucchinis for the best flavor and texture in your casserole. Brown the Meat Well: Ensure the ground beef or turkey is well-browned to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Layering Technique: For even cooking, make sure to layer the ingredients evenly and avoid overcrowding the casserole. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of this dish. Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat. You can use lentils or mushrooms for a hearty bite. Add more veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. The ricotta cheese remains a great choice for creaminess. It keeps the dish rich and satisfying. For a low-carb meal, replace ground beef with ground turkey. Use a mix of zucchini and cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This change cuts carbs while keeping the dish filling. You can also skip the pasta if you want a lighter meal. Using more cheese will add flavor and keep it delicious. Want to kick up the taste? Add spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. They bring warmth and depth to the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also brighten it up. If you love garlic, add more minced garlic for an extra punch. You can combine different cheeses, like adding feta for a tangy twist. These simple tweaks make your casserole even more exciting. To keep your zucchini hamburger casserole fresh, let it cool first. Once cool, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label your container with the date. This way, you know when it’s time to eat it! If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Cut the casserole into portions for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Don't forget to label the bags! When you are ready to eat your casserole, there are a few ways to reheat it. The oven is best for even heating. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you're in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. Enjoy your meal! Yes, you can use different meats in this dish. Ground turkey works well as a leaner option. You can also try ground chicken for a lighter taste. If you want a richer flavor, ground pork is a great choice. Just make sure to cook any meat thoroughly, like you would with beef. To make zucchini hamburger casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also skip the breadcrumbs altogether if you want fewer carbs. Always check labels on sauces or seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. This casserole goes great with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, try steamed broccoli or green beans. These sides add balance to your plate. This blog post covered all you need to make a great zucchini hamburger casserole. You learned about the ingredients, steps, and tips to achieve the best results. Remember, you can swap ingredients and adjust flavors to suit your taste. It’s easy to prepare ahead and store leftovers. Don’t hesitate to explore variations, too. The right sides can make this dish even better. Enjoy making this comforting meal, and have fun in the kitchen!

Zucchini Hamburger Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring layers of zucchini, ground meat, and cheeses.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
  • In a 9x13 inch casserole dish, layer half of the sliced zucchinis evenly at the bottom.
  • Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the zucchini layer, followed by half of the cherry tomatoes.
  • Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over everything.
  • Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchinis, meat mixture, tomatoes, ricotta, and end with the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top.
  • Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
  • Once baked, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Let the casserole sit before serving for better slicing.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, ground beef, zucchini