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Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Your New Favorite Low-Carb Comfort Food

A cheesy, pizza-inspired zucchini casserole layered with seasoned beef, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella for an easy low-carb dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the zucchini layer
  • 3 medium zucchini sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the meat sauce
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups marinara sauce or pizza sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For assembling
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 9x9-inch baking dish lightly greased
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 colander
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting board

Method
 

Prepare the casserole
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
  2. Place the sliced zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
  4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
  5. Stir in the garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the zucchini slices over the sauce, then add half of the remaining meat sauce. Top with 1 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
  8. Repeat with the remaining zucchini, remaining meat sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  9. Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly browned around the edges.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Salt and drain the zucchini for the best texture. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of beef. Let the casserole rest before slicing so it holds together better.