Ground Beef Zucchini Bake: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Introduction to Ground Beef Zucchini Bake
Are you looking for a wholesome, hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy? Look no further than this delicious Ground Beef Zucchini Bake! This dish combines lean ground beef with fresh zucchini, savory spices, and creamy cheeses, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also packs a nutritious punch with its blend of ingredients. So, let’s dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
A Personal Story Behind My Ground Beef Zucchini Bake Journey
Growing up, my family often gathered around the dinner table for comforting meals that warmed our hearts and filled our stomachs. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother preparing a similar zucchini bake, filling the house with amazing aromas. It was a dish that brought everyone together, and I’ve cherished that tradition. Today, I’m excited to share my version of this beloved recipe, which not only honors those memories but is also easy enough for anyone to recreate!
What Makes This Ground Beef Zucchini Bake Recipe Special?
This Ground Beef Zucchini Bake is unique for several reasons. First, it’s a one-dish meal, meaning less cleanup for you after cooking! The combination of quinoa and ground beef provides a satisfying source of protein, while the zucchini adds a lovely texture and freshness. The use of low-sugar tomato sauce keeps the dish healthy, and the gooey melted cheese on top just makes everything better. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that you can customize with different vegetables or cheeses according to your preferences.
The Full Ground Beef Zucchini Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa, cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup yellow onion, diced
- 6 zucchinis (approx. 2 lbs), sliced into ¼ inch rounds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups low-sugar tomato sauce (marinara sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cottage cheese (ricotta cheese will also work)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon). Once hot, add the ground beef, garlic, and yellow onions. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess oil before transferring the mixture to the casserole dish. Set aside.
- In the same pan (without cleaning it), add the remaining olive oil (1 tablespoon). Once hot, add the sliced zucchini along with additional salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
- To the casserole dish with the cooked meat, add the cooked zucchini, spices, cottage cheese, cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together using a spatula, ensuring everything is well mixed. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, set the oven to broil to achieve a golden-brown cheese topping. Once done, remove from the oven and top with fresh basil before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Ground Beef Zucchini Bake
This Ground Beef Zucchini Bake is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the flavors. If you want to add more variety, consider mixing in other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. For a different flavor profile, you can easily substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. This dish is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for meal prep or busy nights!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Beef Zucchini Bake
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil.
What can I use instead of quinoa?
If you’re not a fan of quinoa, you can substitute it with brown rice or couscous for a different texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure your quinoa and tomato sauce are gluten-free, this dish is suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Ground Beef Zucchini Bake
Equipment
- Oven Preheat to 375°F (190°C)
- Casserole Dish 9x13 inch dish
- Large Pan For cooking meat and vegetables
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dry quinoa, cooked Cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Divided for cooking
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic Minced
- 1 cup yellow onion Diced
- 2 cups low-sugar tomato sauce (marinara sauce)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cottage cheese (ricotta cheese will also work)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese Shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
- fresh basil For topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add half of the olive oil (1 tablespoon). Once hot, add the ground beef, garlic, and yellow onions. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess oil before transferring the mixture to the casserole dish. Set aside.
- In the same pan (without cleaning it), add the remaining olive oil (1 tablespoon). Once hot, add the sliced zucchini along with additional salt and pepper. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender.
- To the casserole dish with the cooked meat, add the cooked zucchini, spices, cottage cheese, cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir everything together using a spatula, ensuring everything is well mixed. Spread the mixture into an even layer in the dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and the parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes. For the last 5 minutes, set the oven to broil to achieve a golden-brown cheese topping. Once done, remove from the oven and top with fresh basil before serving.