Description
A cozy take on pizza using zucchini as a base, this casserole is light, cheesy, and loaded with classic pizza flavors, perfect for sneaking extra veggies into family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to draw out the excess water. Press the zucchini dry.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, then add onion, bell pepper, and mushrooms, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in pizza sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper; simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Mix together the drained zucchini, eggs, and Parmesan, then press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat sauce over the zucchini base, followed by half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining meat sauce and cheese.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden. If browning too quickly, tent with foil.
- Let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Allowing the casserole to rest helps the layers set for cleaner slices. Squeeze the zucchini thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, pizza alternative, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb