Zucchini Pizza Casserole

why make this recipe

Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a fantastic dish that combines the delicious flavors of pizza with a healthy twist. It’s a great way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet while satisfying your pizza cravings. This casserole is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Plus, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for low-carb or gluten-free options, making it a versatile recipe for all to enjoy!

how to make Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Ingredients :

• 4 cups shredded zucchini
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cups pizza sauce
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions :

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
3. After 10 minutes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
4. In the same bowl, combine the drained zucchini, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to form the crust mixture.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.
6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it is set and lightly browned.
7. While the crust is baking, in a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
8. Stir in the pizza sauce, green bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Once the crust is ready, spread the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini crust.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese over the top.
11. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

how to serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Serve the Zucchini Pizza Casserole warm, directly from the baking dish. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a heartier meal. You can also serve it with your favorite hot sauce or additional pizza toppings for extra flavor!

how to store Zucchini Pizza Casserole

To store any leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

tips to make Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• For a crispier crust, ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini.
• You can experiment with different vegetables in the beef mixture, such as spinach or olives, based on your preferences.
• If you don’t have ground beef, you can substitute it with turkey or a meat-free option like lentils or mushrooms.

variation

Feel free to switch up the type of cheese used or add your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, sausage, or different vegetable combinations. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen zucchini?
   Yes, you can use frozen zucchini. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture before using it for the crust.

2. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, Zucchini Pizza Casserole is gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or gluten-based ingredients.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving for a fresh and hot meal.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious and healthy twist on pizza, this Zucchini Pizza Casserole is packed with vegetables and great for low-carb or gluten-free diets. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Zucchini Crust

• 4 cups shredded zucchini Fresh zucchini, squeezed to remove moisture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt For seasoning the zucchini.
• 2 large eggs To bind the crust ingredients.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor in the crust.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Half for crust, half for topping.

Topping

• 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with turkey or meat-free options.
• 1/2 cup chopped onion For added flavor.
• 2 cups pizza sauce For the base flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper chopped Adds sweetness and crunch.
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms Optional for additional flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Flavoring for the meat mixture.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For an aromatic touch.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper To season the meat mixture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
3. After 10 minutes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
4. In the same bowl, combine the drained zucchini, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Mix well to form the crust mixture.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.

Baking the Crust

1. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until it is set and lightly browned.

Cooking the Topping

1. While the crust is baking, in a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Stir in the pizza sauce, green bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assembly and Final Baking

1. Once the crust is ready, spread the beef mixture evenly over the zucchini crust.
2. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all of the cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Serve the casserole warm, paired with a side salad or garlic bread. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and also frozen for up to 3 months.