Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Zucchini Pizza Casserole features a vegetable and rice crust topped with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It is a hearty family dinner prepared for four people.
Equipment
- Box grater
- Mixing bowl
- oven
- skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2⅔ cups grated zucchini thoroughly drained
- 1⅓ cups cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1 large egg
- 300 g lean ground beef
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 300 g spaghetti sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Lightly coat a 20 cm square baking dish with olive oil spray.
- Combine the zucchini, rice, egg, ½ cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan in a mixing bowl.
- Press the zucchini mixture firmly into the baking dish.
- Bake the vegetable crust for 15 minutes until lightly browned and firm.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Add the onion and garlic.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the beef mixture over the baked zucchini crust.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Rest the casserole 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 vegetables, or garlic bread. Because the dish already contains beef, rice, vegetables, and cheese, it can also be served without additional sides. Browse our Salad recipes and Side Dish recipes for suitable accompaniments.Recipe Notes
Drain the grated zucchini thoroughly to prevent a soft or watery crust. Place it in a colander, press out the moisture, and then squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel. Allow the casserole to rest before cutting so the layers remain intact.Variations
Replace the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or a vegetarian meat substitute. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, olives, chili flakes, or dried oregano to the sauce. Explore our Casserole recipes, Beef recipes, and Cheese recipes for more ideas.Wine Advice
A medium-bodied Chianti complements the tomato sauce and Parmesan. A smooth Merlot pairs well with the ground beef and melted mozzarella.Nutrition values
Calories: 532 kcal | Carbohydrates: 29 g | Protein: 39 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 12 g | Sodium: 850 mg | Sugar: 8 g