Delicious Zucchini Pizza Casserole in 1 Hour

Craving pizza but trying to keep things healthy? I hear ya! That’s where this Zucchini Pizza Casserole comes in. It’s got all those amazing pizza flavors we love, but without the guilt. Seriously, it’s a game-changer!

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was trying to cut back on carbs. Honestly, I was skeptical. Zucchini instead of pizza crust? Sounded kinda sad. But wow, was I wrong! This casserole is seriously delicious. The zucchini gets nice and tender, and the toppings? Total pizza perfection.

What I really love is that it totally satisfies that pizza craving. Plus, it’s packed with veggies and protein, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. If you are looking for a low-carb, tasty meal, you have to try this Zucchini Pizza Casserole recipe. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Quick and Easy

Seriously, who has hours to spend making dinner? Not me! This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is ready in under an hour. Score!

Healthy and Low Carb

Zucchini is the secret weapon here! You get to skip all those carbs from a regular pizza crust. It’s a win-win!

Delicious Pizza Flavor

Okay, this is the best part. You get ALL the pizza taste without any of the guilt. It’s cheesy, saucy, and totally satisfying.

Customizable

Don’t like pepperoni? Swap it for mushrooms! Wanna add some spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes. This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is super easy to tweak to your liking!

Ingredients for Your Zucchini Pizza Casserole

The Zucchini

You’ll need 2 medium zucchini. Slice ’em into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; we’re going for rustic here!

The Meat

Grab 1 pound of ground beef. I like an 80/20 blend – it gives you good flavor without being *too* greasy.

The Aromatics

Chop up 1 medium yellow onion. Don’t skimp on the onion; it adds so much flavor to this Zucchini Pizza Casserole!

The Sauce

You’ll want 1 (15 ounce) can of tomato sauce. I prefer no salt added, so I can control the saltiness myself.

The Seasoning

Here’s where the magic happens! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper!

The Cheese

Get ready for cheesy goodness with 2 cups of shredded mozzarella. Low-moisture, part-skim is my go-to. Melts like a dream!

Optional Pizza Toppings for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

This is where you can get creative! Pepperoni slices, sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers – whatever floats your pizza boat!

How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Meat

Okay, first things first: crank up that oven to 375°F (190°C). You want it nice and hot when the Zucchini Pizza Casserole is ready to go in!

Next, grab your skillet and brown that ground beef over medium heat. Make sure you drain off *all* that extra grease. Nobody wants a soggy casserole!

Building the Sauce Base for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Now, toss those chopped onions into the skillet with the beef. Cook ’em until they’re soft and translucent – about 5 minutes should do it. This adds so much flavor, trust me!

Pour in the tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Mmm, smells good, right?

Assembling the Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Time to layer! Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish. Lay down half of those zucchini slices in a nice, even layer. Then, spoon half of the meat sauce on top. Sprinkle with half of that glorious mozzarella cheese. Almost there!

Repeat those layers: more zucchini, more meat sauce, more cheese. You should have used up all your ingredients. If not, oops! Just kidding (probably!).

Baking and Resting Your Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Pop that Zucchini Pizza Casserole into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for that cheese to be melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Keep an eye on it!

Once it’s done, let it stand for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, so it’s easier to slice and serve. And that’s it! Enjoy your amazing Zucchini Pizza Casserole!

Tips for the Best Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Salting Zucchini

Okay, listen up: this is *key* to avoiding a watery casserole. Sprinkle those zucchini slices with a little salt and let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. The salt draws out extra moisture. Pat them dry with paper towels before layering. Trust me on this one!

Seasoning the Meat Sauce

Don’t just dump in the spices and call it a day! Taste that meat sauce and adjust the seasonings to *your* liking. Maybe you want a little more oregano? Go for it! A pinch of red pepper flakes? Why not! Make it your own!

Cheese Browning

Want that cheese *really* browned and bubbly? Broil it for the last minute or two, but watch it like a hawk! It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. You want golden brown deliciousness, not charcoal!

Zucchini Pizza Casserole Variations

Spicy Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Want to kick things up a notch? Toss some red pepper flakes into that meat sauce. Or, for a real zing, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Yowza!

Vegetarian Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Ditching the meat? No prob! Just skip the ground beef and load up on veggies. Mushrooms, bell peppers, olives… the more, the merrier, I say!

Different Cheese Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Mozzarella’s great, but why stop there? Try a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a richer, cheesier flavor. Or even a little sprinkle of Parmesan! So good!

Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Side Salad

Keep it simple, folks! A nice green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect sidekick for this Zucchini Pizza Casserole. It’s fresh, it’s easy, and it balances out the richness of the casserole.

Garlic Bread

Okay, who doesn’t love garlic bread? Serving some warm, crusty garlic bread or breadsticks alongside this casserole is a total no-brainer. Perfect for soaking up all that yummy sauce!

Storing and Reheating Your Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Storage

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop that Zucchini Pizza Casserole into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3 days. Perfect for a quick lunch!

Reheating

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through. Or, if you’re in a hurry (I get it!), zap it in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Can I use other vegetables in Zucchini Pizza Casserole?

Absolutely! This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is super versatile. Feel free to toss in other veggies you love, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some extra onions. Get creative!

Can I freeze Zucchini Pizza Casserole?

Yep, you sure can! Just let it cool completely after baking, then wrap it up tight and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Easy!

How can I prevent Zucchini Pizza Casserole from being watery?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Two things are key here. First, salt that zucchini like I mentioned earlier. Second, make sure you drain *all* that grease from the beef after browning it. Those two steps will work wonders!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Okay, so here’s the deal. I’m not a nutritionist, but I can give you a *rough* idea of what you’re looking at, nutritionally speaking, with this Zucchini Pizza Casserole. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, and it’ll depend on the exact ingredients you use (especially the fat content of your beef and the type of cheese).

But generally, you’re probably looking at something like this *per serving*: Calories: around 350-400. Fat: maybe 20-25 grams. Protein: a good 25-30 grams! Carbs: Definitely on the lower side, probably around 10-15 grams. Not bad, right? A tasty and healthier way to enjoy pizza flavor!

Rate This Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

Loved it? Hated it? Somewhere in between? Let me know what you thought! Leave a rating and share your comments below. I wanna hear from you!

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