Momma'S Baked Zucchini
A comforting baked zucchini casserole layered with ground meat, cheese, and tomato, perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty vegetable dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Place chopped tomatoes, sliced zucchini, onion, ground garlic, salt, and pepper in a saucepan and cook until tender.
- Pour the cooked mixture into a casserole pan.
- Mix the browned ground meat into the casserole mixture and stir well.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the vegetable mixture. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with lentils or cooked quinoa. You can also use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or feta for variation. Make sure to slice the zucchini evenly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Momma's Baked Zucchini hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added heat. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. It also makes a great main dish for a cozy family dinner or potluck, complementing simple sides like roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from over-browning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Momma'S Baked Zucchini contains roughly 760 calories, with 82g protein, 103g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (164% of the Daily Value), iron (127% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (119% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 750mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
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 its texture, you can use frozen zucchini if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain the excess water before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming too watery.
What can I substitute for ground meat?
For a vegetarian version, you can replace ground meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, chickpeas, or a meat substitute like tempeh or tofu. This will maintain the texture while making it a healthier option.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually after about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F. You can also check that the zucchini is tender by inserting a fork into the dish.
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).