Zucchini Pizza Casserole
📜 Collection: Georgia Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Unattributed | 📂 Category: Entrees A delightful and cheesy twist on pizza night featuring a baked shredded zucchini crust topped with ground beef, savory tomato sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that sneaks in extra vegetables.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 40 mins | 10 mins | 6-8 servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Strainer
- 13”x9”x2” baking pan
- Skillet
Ingredients
Casserole Ingredients
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4 cups | Zucchini | Shredded, unpeeled |
| 2 | Eggs | Beaten |
| 1/2 tsp. | Salt | Plus extra for draining |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan Cheese | Grated |
| 1 cup | Cheddar Cheese | Grated, divided |
| 2 cups | Mozzarella Cheese | Grated, divided |
| 1 pound | Ground Beef | Cooked and drained |
| 1/2 cup | Onion | Chopped |
| 1 can (15 oz.) | Tomato Sauce | Italian flavor or plain tomato sauce |
| 1/4 tsp. | Oregano | Used if plain tomato sauce is substituted |
| 1/4 tsp. | Basil | Used if plain tomato sauce is substituted |
| 1 medium | Green Pepper | Chopped |
Instructions
Step 1: Crust Preparation
- Place 4 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini in a strainer and sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt. Let drain for 10 min, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
- Combine the drained zucchini with 2 eggs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the 1 cup cheddar cheese and 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
- Press the mixture firmly into a greased 13”x9”x2” baking pan.
- Bake at 400° for 20 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Step 2: Meat Sauce and Assembly
- Meanwhile, brown 1 pound ground beef with 1/2 cup chopped onion in a skillet. Drain excess grease.
- Add 1 can (15 oz.) tomato sauce (mixed with 1/4 tsp. oregano and 1/4 tsp. basil if using plain sauce) to the beef and onions.
- Spoon the meat mixture evenly over the baked zucchini crust.
- Top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then sprinkle with 1 medium green pepper, chopped.
- Bake for 20 minutes more until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned on top.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: You can assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Original Recipe Scan
