Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
Zucchini ground beef casserole is a meaty zucchini casserole in flavorful tomato sauce. Lean ground beef mixed with zucchini and fresh herbs for a delicious low carb dinner
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 190kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- 1 lb ground meat , preferably 90%
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 2 lbs zucchini sliced
- ½ cup fresh dill about (23g) chopped and divided
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley about (20g), chopped
- 1.5 cups water or broth
- 1 can (15oz) tomato sauce
Optional:
- 2 roma tomatoes diced
Instructions
- Prep the zucchini: Slice the zucchini (peeling is optional based on preference) and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium high heat, cook the ground beef until it is about 70% browned.
- Sauté the aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the olive oil to the empty side, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic, and sauté for 1 minute. Stir the beef and onion mixture together.
- Season: Stir in the allspice, black pepper, and salt. Mix well and continue cooking until the beef is fully cooked through.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
Assemble the casserole:
- In a 13x9-inch baking dish, layer the zucchini, ground beef, fresh herbs, diced tomatoes (if using), and liquid ingredients (tomato sauce and broth/water). Gently mix to combine and taste the liquid to adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cover the dish with a layer of parchment paper, followed by foil. Bake on the middle rack for about 1 hour, or until the zucchini reaches your desired tenderness.
Optional browning step:
- Uncover the dish and broil on high for the final 5 to 10 minutes to brown the top and reduce the sauce.
Notes
- Stovetop Option: If you are in a hurry, you can cook this dish entirely on the stovetop over medium low heat in about 30 minutes.
- Hybrid Method (my favorite): Alternatively, simmer it on the stovetop for 15 minutes, then transfer it to the oven to finish baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 547mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 802IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg
