Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the perfect way to use up those summer zucchinis and transform them into a delicious main dish. The layers of tender zucchini, savory beef, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy cracker topping come together beautifully. It’s a meal that’s both filling and comforting, with a delightful balance of textures. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped in advance for a busy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 pounds zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch thick rounds
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ cup olive oil
½ pound ground beef
1 cup onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
Prepare the Zucchini: In a large bowl, toss the zucchini slices with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Cook the Zucchini: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the zucchini from the skillet and set it aside.
Cook the Ground Beef: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onion is softened.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the cooked zucchini in an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then pour half of the cheese sauce over it.
- Layer the remaining cooked zucchini on top, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture. Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the casserole.
Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the casserole with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a meatless version.
Add Extra Veggies: Include bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture for a bit of heat.
Different Cheese: Try adding Parmesan or using a cheese blend for more variety in flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini?

Yes, you can use frozen zucchini, but it will release more moisture as it cooks. Be sure to drain it well before using it in the casserole.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter version of this dish.

3. Can I make this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed when ready to serve.

4. How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?

Be sure to cook the zucchini slices long enough to release some moisture before layering them in the casserole.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to swap out the mozzarella and cheddar for other cheeses like provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a more robust flavor.

6. Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely! You can top the casserole with more crushed Ritz crackers or even sprinkle some extra cheese on top for an even cheesier finish.

7. How do I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for the zucchini coating and make sure your Ritz crackers are gluten-free or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

8. How can I make this spicier?

Add some diced jalapeños to the ground beef mixture or sprinkle chili flakes over the casserole before baking.

9. Can I make this without the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can make a homemade sauce with heavy cream, broth, and seasonings if you prefer to skip the canned soup.

10. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it’s golden brown on top, bubbly, and the cheese has fully melted. You can also check by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out hot.

Conclusion

Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef is the perfect combination of comfort food and nutritious veggies. With layers of savory beef, tender zucchini, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy cracker topping, it’s a dish that will have your family asking for seconds. Quick to prepare, satisfying, and easily adaptable, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef

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Zucchini Casserole with Ground Beef is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender zucchini, savory ground beef, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. It’s a perfect family meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, toss zucchini slices with flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until beef is cooked through and onion is softened.
In a small bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until well combined.
In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked zucchini. Top with half of the ground beef mixture, then pour half of the cheese sauce over it.
Layer the remaining zucchini, followed by the rest of the ground beef mixture and the remaining cheese sauce.
Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers evenly over the top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.