Ground Beef Zucchini Bake (Low Carb) Recipe
This Ground Beef Zucchini Bake is a delicious low-carb casserole that combines sautéed vegetables, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting and healthy dinner option. Zucchini rounds replace traditional carbs, making this dish perfect for those seeking a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 & Seasonings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt (divided as ½ tsp for vegetables + ½ tsp for beef)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (½ tsp for vegetables + ½ tsp for beef)
- 1 tsp onion powder (½ tsp for vegetables + ½ tsp for beef)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided as 1 cup + ½ cup)
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the diced mushrooms, sprinkle with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, and ½ tsp onion powder, then sauté for another 4-5 minutes. Stir to coat well, transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate, and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: In the same skillet, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and cook until no longer pink. Season with the remaining ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and paprika. Stir to combine and taste to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble Bake: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the salted and dried 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 evenly combined.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese and place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and heated through.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and is slightly golden, about 5-7 minutes more.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty and wholesome low-carb ground beef zucchini bake!
Notes
- Salting and patting dry the zucchini helps reduce excess moisture to prevent a watery bake.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner option.
- For extra flavor, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole reheats well in the microwave or oven.
Keywords: Ground Beef Zucchini Bake, Low Carb Casserole, Healthy Dinner, Ground Beef Recipe, Low Carb Dinner
