Ground beef and zucchini casserole (low carb!) is a hearty, high-protein meal that's loaded with veggies. With a crispy, cheesy top, a rich tomato beef, and a baked zucchini base, this easy one-pot casserole recipe is true comfort food.
P.S. You might like my healthy bean chili recipe, too!
Zucchini ground beef casserole is comforting and wholesome. 🏆
💰 WHY IS THIS RECIPE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef, zucchini, and canned tomatoes.
Stretch it further by adding more zucchini or using less meat.
Leftover-friendly- it tastes better the next day, so nothing goes to waste!
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Olive oil – For frying. Substitute: Butter or avocado oil.
1 onion, finely chopped – Substitute: Shallots or leeks.
1 celery stalk, diced –Substitute: Bell peppers
3 cloves garlic, minced –Substitute: Garlic powder (½ teaspoon per clove).
1 lb (450g) ground beef – Substitute: Ground turkey or plant-based meat.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives a subtle smoky depth. Substitute: Regular paprika
1 teaspoon Italian herbs –Substitute: A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
2 tablespoon tomato paste – Intensifies the tomato richness. Substitute: Fresh, chopped tomatoes.
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – Provides a juicy, tangy base. Substitute: Fresh chopped tomatoes or crushed tomatoes.
3 medium zucchinis, grated – Adds moisture and nutrients. Substitute: Yellow squash or shredded carrots.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella works great or any cheese that melts!) – Melts into a gooey topping. You can use Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or dairy-free cheese.
½ cup panko breadcrumbs – Gives the casserole its crispy topping. Substitute: Crushed crackers or almond flakes for lower-carb options.
👩🏼🍳 STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, with a good pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
2. Add the ground beef, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and another good pinch or two of salt. Cook until browned.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute. Then, add the canned tomatoes and grated zucchini. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. Assemble the Casserole – If using a Dutch oven, you can bake it directly in the pot. Otherwise, transfer the beef mixture into a casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible, crispy, cheesy finish.
6. Bake – at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
7. Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
WHAT TO SERVE IT WITH?
Rice,
📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
Brown the Beef Well – Make sure the ground beef is fried until golden brown before adding the tomato paste for extra flavor.
Use a box grater to quickly and evenly grate the zucchini.
❓FAQS
A little moisture is completely normal and will be absorbed as the casserole bakes, giving it a rich, flavorful texture.
Yes! This zucchini ground beef casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
Print
GROUND BEEF AND ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE (LOW CARB!)
- Total Time: 5 min Prep time + 30 min Cook Time = 35 min Total Time
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Description
Ground beef and zucchini casserole (low carb!) is a hearty, high-protein meal that's loaded with veggies. With a crispy, cheesy top, a rich tomato beef, and a baked zucchini base, this easy one-pot casserole recipe is true comfort food.
Ingredients
1 onion chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
1 kg ground beef (about 2 lb)
2-3 teaspoons garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves crushed)
3 teaspoons smoked paprika
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons tomato paste (about 70 g)
1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
3 zucchinis grated (about 300 g)
1 cup grated cheese (any cheese that melts)
¾ cup bread crumbs
Instructions
1.Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, and garlic with a good pinch of salt. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
2.Add the ground beef, smoked paprika, Italian herbs, and another good pinch or two of salt. Cook until browned.
3.Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for a minute. Then, add the canned tomatoes and grated zucchini. Mix everything well and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4.Assemble the Casserole – If using a Dutch oven, you can bake it directly in the pot. Otherwise, transfer the beef mixture into a casserole dish.
5. Sprinkle the top with grated cheese and panko breadcrumbs for that crispy, cheesy finish.
6. Bake – at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
7. Let It Rest – Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS?
Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
CAN I FREEZE THIS CASSEROLE?
Yes! This zucchini ground beef casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
- Category: Family Dinner
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
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