Ground Beef Zucchini Bake (Low Carb) Recipe
This Ground Beef Zucchini Bake is a delicious low-carb casserole combining seasoned ground beef, sautéed vegetables, and zucchini rounds, all baked to perfection with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1½ lbs zucchini (cut into rounds, salted and patted dry)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 8 oz mushrooms (diced)
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt (for vegetables)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for vegetables)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for vegetables)
- 1/2 tsp salt (for meat)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (for meat)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (for meat)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (for meat)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for assembly)
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend
Cheeses
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add diced mushrooms and continue to sauté for 4-5 minutes. Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp paprika. Stir well to distribute the spices and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the zucchini rounds, sautéed vegetables, cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, Italian herb blend, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake with Parmesan: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the casserole to cook through.
- Add Remaining Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese over the casserole. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 5-7 minutes more. Serve hot.
Notes
- Be sure to salt and pat dry the zucchini rounds before using to reduce excess moisture and prevent a soggy casserole.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of ground beef for a leaner option.
- Use a low-sugar marinara sauce to keep the recipe truly low carb and healthier.
- Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to help it set for easier slicing.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: ground beef zucchini bake, low carb casserole, zucchini bake, ground beef recipes, healthy casseroles, low carb dinner
