Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious and healthy twist on classic pizza. Combining tender zucchini slices with savory meat, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, it’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under an hour, it’s sure to be a family favorite.

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) and 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, then stir in the Italian seasoning.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
4. Step 4: Layer half of the zucchini slices in the baking dish. Spread half of the meat mixture over the zucchini, then spoon half of the marinara sauce on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, meat mixture, and sauce.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the 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, add minced garlic when sautéing the onions and peppers.
• Use ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute to suit your dietary preferences.
• Try adding sliced mushrooms or olives to the meat mixture for added texture.
• Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This casserole also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?

Yes, sliced eggplant or thinly sliced potatoes can be used as an alternative, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground meat substitute to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional pizza. Featuring layers of tender sliced zucchini, seasoned ground turkey or beef, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

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

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and stir in the Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the cooked meat. Sauté for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables have softened, enhancing the mixture’s taste and texture.
4. Layer Ingredients: Place half of the sliced zucchini in the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture evenly over the zucchini, then pour half of the marinara sauce on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, meat mixture, and marinara sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer and cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in during baking.
6. Bake: Bake the casserole for 25 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Notes

• You can use either ground turkey or ground beef based on your preference.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: zucchini casserole, pizza casserole, ground turkey casserole, baked casserole, Italian casserole, mozzarella cheese recipe