Guilt-Free Zucchini Pizza Casserole
A light and cozy bake that turns summer squash into a family-friendly comfort meal with all the flavors of pizza and none of the guilt.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken) Choose your preferred meat type.
Veggies
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced Salt the zucchini slices before using.
- 1 medium onion, diced
- to taste Optional toppings: pepperoni, bell peppers, olives, etc. Customize according to preference.
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend) Use a mix of cheeses for best flavor.
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Aromatics & Spices
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat with diced onion and minced garlic until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- Layer the casserole: place half the zucchini slices in the dish, top with half the meat mixture and half the cheese, then repeat; finish with remaining cheese on top.
Baking
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool a few minutes, slice, and serve.
Notes
Salt sliced zucchini and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess moisture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat covered in the oven or microwave.