Zucchini Beef Casserole
Zucchini Beef Casserole combines seasoned ground beef, rice, grated zucchini, cottage cheese, and melted cheddar. This layered casserole makes a hearty family dinner for four.
Equipment
- Box grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- oven
- skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups grated zucchini
- ⅔ cup chopped onion
- ⅔ cup cooked instant rice
- 300 g ground beef
- 1⅓ cups cottage cheese
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Lightly coat a 20 cm square baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Gently squeeze excess moisture from the grated zucchini.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and chopped onion.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is tender.
- Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the cooked rice, basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread half of the grated zucchini over the bottom of the baking dish.
- Distribute the beef and rice mixture evenly over the zucchini.
- Spread the cottage cheese over the beef layer.
- Cover with the remaining grated zucchini.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35 minutes until heated through and bubbling.
- Check that the center reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Rest for 5 minutes before cutting.
- Divide into 4 equal portions and serve.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a green salad, steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread. Because it already contains beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese, it can also be served as a complete meal. Browse our Salad recipes and Side Dish recipes for more options.Recipe Notes
Squeeze excess liquid from the zucchini to prevent a watery casserole. Drain the browned beef before adding the rice and seasonings. Let the finished casserole rest for 5 minutes so the layers become firmer and are easier to serve.Variations
Replace the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, chili flakes, or Italian herbs. Explore our Casserole recipes, Beef recipes, and Cheese recipes for more ideas.Wine Advice
A smooth Merlot complements the ground beef and creamy cheese. A fruit-forward Zinfandel provides enough body for the rich casserole without overwhelming the zucchini.Nutrition values
Calories: 405 kcal | Carbohydrates: 17 g | Protein: 36 g | Fat: 22 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Sodium: 650 mg | Sugar: 6 g