Irresistible Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe to Savor

When life hands you a mound of zucchini, what do you do? You make Zucchini Pizza Casserole, of course! Imagine a warm, bubbling dish emerging from the oven, filled with layers of cheesy goodness and a medley of Italian flavors. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you dancing with delight. explore more casserole ideas Picture this: you’re sitting down to dinner, and instead of the usual pizza delivery, you present your family with a colorful casserole that’s just as satisfying but way healthier. healthy chicken wrap recipes For more inspiration, check out this comfort food delight recipe.

Now, let me take you back to a lazy Sunday afternoon when I first attempted this recipe. As I pulled it out of the oven, my family gathered around the table, their faces lighting up with curiosity and anticipation. One bite in and I swear I heard angels singing! Who knew zucchini could steal the show? This dish is perfect for a cozy family night or when you’re entertaining friends who are trying to eat healthier but still want that comfort food vibe. spicy chicken chili pairing Trust me; your taste buds are about to embark on a joyful journey.

Every time my friends try this casserole, they react like they’ve just discovered gold!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious party appetizers.

• Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key here; look for firm ones without blemishes for the best texture.

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier option; it adds depth and heartiness to the casserole.

• Pasta Sauce: A good quality sauce brings all the flavors together; opt for marinara or your favorite brand.

• Cheese Blend: Use mozzarella and parmesan for that gooey topping; feel free to sprinkle more for extra cheesiness!

• Italian Seasoning: This will elevate the flavor profile; homemade blends work great too!

• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics lay a flavor foundation; sauté until fragrant for maximum impact.

• Bell Peppers: They add crunch and sweetness; choose vibrant colors like red or yellow for visual appeal.

• Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together; they add richness while keeping it all intact.

• Breadcrumbs (optional): For added texture on top, but feel free to skip if you’re going low-carb!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Sauté the Aromatics : In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until they turn golden brown. The aroma should be delightful!

Cook the Meat : Add ground beef or turkey into the skillet. Cook until browned and crumbly while breaking up any large chunks with a spatula.

Add Veggies and Sauce : Toss in diced zucchini and bell peppers into the skillet. Pour in your pasta sauce, stirring well until everything is coated in cheesy goodness.

Mix in Eggs and Cheese : In a large bowl, combine cooked meat mixture with eggs, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until well blended.

Bake Until Golden Brown : Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with additional cheese if desired and bake for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Enjoy serving this Zucchini Pizza Casserole hot out of the oven with some fresh basil sprinkled on top. It’s sure to impress! For more inspiration, check out this sweet potato patties recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing onions and garlic for flavor, then layer zucchini and toppings before baking. This sequence maximizes taste and ensures even cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out veggies based on your favorites—mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach work beautifully. Add different cheeses for a unique flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its delicious texture.

Creating this zucchini pizza casserole reminds me of my first cooking adventure that ended in a glorious mess but lots of laughter with friends.

FAQ

Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?

Frozen zucchini can work, but fresh is best for texture and flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely for a low-carb option.

What toppings can I add to my zucchini pizza casserole?

Feel free to get creative—pepperoni, olives, or even pineapple can add fun flavors!

Print

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Valentina Rossi
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional pizza that the whole family will love. Bursting with layers of zucchini, seasoned ground meat, vibrant vegetables, and gooey cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Easy to prepare and fully customizable with your favorite toppings, this casserole provides all the comfort of pizza without the guilt. Enjoy it hot from the oven for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups fresh zucchini (sliced)
• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 cups pasta sauce (marinara or your favorite brand)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced)
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until golden brown.
3. Add ground beef or turkey to the skillet; cook until browned and crumbly.
4. Stir in diced zucchini and bell peppers, then pour in pasta sauce, mixing well.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked meat mixture with eggs, mozzarella cheese, and Italian seasoning; mix until blended.
6. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with additional cheese if desired, and bake for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (150g)
• Calories: 275
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 90mg