Description
Beef Zucchini Casserole is a hearty and comforting pasta bake made with tender zucchini, seasoned ground beef, orzo pasta, and a blend of cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. Ideal for a filling family dinner.
Ingredients
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound zucchini, cut into ¼-inch round slices
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, or until zucchini is crisp-tender. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cooked orzo to the bowl with zucchini and stir. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 1 minute. Stir in garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
- Add ground beef, season with remaining salt, and cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Add the cooked beef to the bowl with orzo and zucchini. Stir in crushed tomatoes, ½ cup mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, basil, and thyme. Mix well until combined and cheeses start to melt.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Let the casserole rest before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
- You can prep the casserole a day ahead and bake before serving.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 272
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 455mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 59mg
