Cheesy Beef Zucchini Casserole (Print Version)
Hearty layers of zucchini, seasoned beef, and golden cheese topping
# Ingredient List:
→ Vegetables
01 - 3 medium zucchinis, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Meats
04 - 1 lb ground beef
→ Dairy
05 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup sour cream
07 - 1/4 cup milk
08 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pantry
09 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
10 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tsp dried oregano
13 - 1/2 tsp dried basil
14 - 1/2 tsp paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp salt
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.
03 - Add onion and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in drained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes to blend flavors, then remove from heat.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, and half of the cheddar cheese until smooth and combined.
06 - Arrange half of the zucchini slices in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish.
07 - Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the zucchini slices.
08 - Dollop half of the sour cream mixture over the beef layer and spread gently to cover.
09 - Repeat layers with remaining zucchini slices, beef mixture, and sour cream mixture, maintaining the same order.
10 - Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs over the top layer. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
11 - Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes to allow vegetables to soften and flavors to meld.
12 - Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown, with bubbly edges.
13 - Let the casserole stand for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set for easier slicing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sour cream layer creates an unexpected velvety texture that keeps everything moist without making it heavy
- It secretly transforms a simple vegetable into something even picky eaters will ask for seconds of
02 -
- Draining the tomatoes thoroughly is crucial or you will end up with a watery casserole no matter how long you bake it
- The resting period is not optional, cutting into it too soon will make the layers slide apart
03 -
- Mix some mozzarella with the cheddar for extra gooey factor
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if your family likes a little heat