Harvest Zucchini Casserole
A hearty zucchini casserole with savory ground beef, cheesy topping, and seasoned rice, perfect for family dinners or using fresh garden zucchini. Delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
- 6 cups zucchini, cut in 4-inch rounds ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 1 cup instant rice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pint small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 1/2 oz) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook zucchini in boiling salted water until tender, then drain well.
- Saute ground beef and chopped onions together until browned.
- In a 2 1/2-quart casserole dish, layer half of the zucchini, then sprinkle with rice and seasonings.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture over the rice layer.
- Spoon cottage cheese over the beef layer.
- Add the remaining zucchini on top, then spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over all.
- Sprinkle grated sharp Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbling and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use brown rice instead of instant rice. If you want to add more flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef. Remember to not overcook the zucchini; it should be tender but not mushy, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
This Harvest Zucchini Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or garlic bread. A light vinaigrette can enhance the flavors of the dish. It's a perfect comfort food that brings together the best of American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until warm, about 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Harvest Zucchini Casserole contains roughly 663 calories, with 24g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (282% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 79g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen zucchini for this recipe?
While fresh zucchini is preferred for texture, you can use frozen zucchini. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before layering it in the casserole to avoid a soggy dish.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and broth, adding sautéed mushrooms for flavor. Alternatively, cream of chicken soup or vegetable broth can also be used as a substitute.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).