Beef Zucchini Casserole
Beef Zucchini Casserole is a savory pasta bake loaded with ground beef, veggies, orzo, and lots of melty cheese.
Servings : 8 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound zucchini, cut into ¼-inch round slices
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup part skim ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375˚F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the orzo according to the directions on the package. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Add the zucchini to the heated oil and season with Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes, or until zucchini is crisp-tender.
- Remove zucchini from the pan and transfer to a large mixing bowl. To the same bowl, add the drained cooked orzo; stir and set aside.
- Return skillet to the burner and heat remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the onions and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
- Stir in the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Season with remaining salt and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the ground beef is completely browned and cooked through.
- Drain fat, if any, then add the beef to the large bowl with the orzo and zucchini.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, ½-cup mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, basil, and thyme. Stir until everything is well combined and cheeses are melted.
- Transfer the mixture to previously prepared baking dish and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven and let stand 10 to 15 minutes.
- Garnish with basil and serve.
Nutrition
Calories: 272 kcal | Carbohydrates: 15 g | Protein: 23 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 6 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 59 mg | Sodium: 455 mg | Potassium: 573 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 5 g | Vitamin A: 454 IU | Vitamin C: 16 mg | Calcium: 230 mg | Iron: 3 mg | Net Carbs: 13 g
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.