Savory Ground Beef and Zucchini Bake
This comforting casserole brings together ground beef and fresh zucchini in a cheesy, delicious bake. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups zucchini sliced
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese optional
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro optional
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F and lightly oil a baking dish with avocado oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until fragrant and softened. Remove excess fat.
- Introduce minced garlic and zucchini slices to the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook briefly until zucchini is tender.
- Combine the marinara sauce and cooked quinoa into the skillet mixture, stirring thoroughly before placing it in the baking dish.
- Scatter the mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top, adding optional parmesan for extra flavor.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese achieves a golden, bubbling texture. Garnish with cilantro or red pepper flakes as desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a hint of cayenne. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread.
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