Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious, low-carb twist on traditional pizza packed with savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and melted mozzarella. It’s an easy, comforting dish that the whole family will enjoy as a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Layer half of the zucchini slices in the baking dish. Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
6. Step 6: Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
• Use ground chicken or plant-based meat alternatives for a different protein option.
• Add sliced mushrooms or olives to the meat mixture for more veggie variety.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, cheddar, or a blend of your favorite cheeses to suit your taste.

Do I need to peel the zucchinis?

Peeling is not necessary as the skin softens during baking and adds extra nutrients, but you can peel them if you prefer a softer texture.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 128 reviews

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious low-carb twist on classic pizza, featuring layers of tender zucchini slices, flavorful ground turkey or beef, savory marinara sauce, sautéed vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

Meat

• 1 lb ground turkey or beef

Sauces & Seasonings

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and stir in the Italian seasoning until evenly combined.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Assemble Layers: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices evenly. Top this with half of the meat and vegetable mixture, followed by half of the marinara sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini slices, meat mixture, and marinara sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning during the initial baking phase.
6. Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

• You can use ground turkey for a leaner option or ground beef for a richer flavor.
• Feel free to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach if desired.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set and make slicing easier.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• Use low-sodium marinara sauce to reduce the sodium content if preferred.

Keywords: Zucchini casserole, pizza casserole, low carb dinner, ground turkey recipe, baked casserole, mozzarella cheese casserole