Description
A delicious and healthy Zucchini Pizza Casserole featuring layers of fresh zucchini slices, seasoned ground meat, sautéed vegetables, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make baked dish combines classic pizza flavors into a satisfying casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
Proteins
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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. Stir in the Italian seasoning to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the meat. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become softened and slightly translucent.
- Layer the Casserole: Arrange half of the zucchini slices evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the meat and vegetable mixture over the zucchini, then spoon half of the marinara sauce on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, meat mixture, and marinara sauce.
- Add Cheese and Cover: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey for a leaner dish or ground beef for richer flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Use fresh marinara sauce for the best taste, or your favorite store-bought variety.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure the marinara sauce contains no gluten additives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
