why make this recipe
Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a great way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in a healthier form. It uses zucchini as a base, making it lower in carbs but still packed with delicious taste. This dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s still nutritious.
how to make Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Ingredients :
- 4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 can (15 ounces) Italian tomato sauce
- 1 medium green or sweet red pepper, chopped
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the extra moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into a greased 13×9-inch or 3-quart baking dish.
- Bake the zucchini crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the tomato sauce to the beef mixture and stir well.
- After the zucchini crust has baked, add the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over it and top with the chopped green or red pepper.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes longer.
how to serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole hot from the oven. It makes a fantastic main dish and can be enjoyed as is or with a side salad. You can also offer extra toppings, such as red pepper flakes or fresh herbs.
how to store Zucchini Pizza Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing.
tips to make Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible to prevent a soggy bottom.
- Feel free to replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding some spices like garlic powder, oregano, or basil can enhance the flavor of the casserole.
variation (if any)
You can customize this casserole with different vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or olives. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and add more veggies. You can also use other types of cheese based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just make sure to thaw it and drain the excess water before using.
2. How long does this casserole take to make?
From start to finish, it typically takes about 1 hour to prepare and bake.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it stand for 10 minutes, then squeeze out the extra moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini with eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix well.
- Press the mixture into a greased 13x9-inch or 3-quart baking dish.
- Bake the zucchini crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- While the crust is baking, heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the tomato sauce to the beef mixture and stir well.
- After the zucchini crust has baked, add the beef mixture on top.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over it and top with the chopped green or red pepper.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake until heated through, about 20 minutes longer.
