Description
Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef is a cheesy, hearty dinner layered with tender zucchini, flavorful ground beef, a creamy mushroom sauce, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 pounds zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup olive oil
½ pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or oil.
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Season and cook the zucchini: Coat the zucchini slices with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, ensuring they’re evenly seasoned. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the zucchini until tender, about 5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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Cook the beef mixture: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onions and minced garlic until fully cooked and fragrant.
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Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheese until smooth.
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Layer the casserole: Spread half of the zucchini slices in the prepared baking dish, followed by half of the beef mixture and half of the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini, beef, and sauce.
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Add the topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave until heated through.
Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Swap Ritz crackers for panko, cornflakes, or Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 16g