Saucy Zucchini
Creamy, hearty zucchini casserole combines ground beef, pasta, and vegetables in a flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat; set aside.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Layer the sliced zucchini, sliced onion, cooked beef, and macaroni in a buttered casserole dish.
- Combine celery salt, Tabasco sauce, salt, pepper, and tomato paste to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish.
- Microwave on Medium power for 12 to 16 minutes, stirring several times, or bake in a conventional oven at 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle grated cheese of your choice over the casserole.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for ground beef and use whole wheat macaroni. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to increase the amount of Tabasco sauce. This dish can be made ahead and frozen as well, making it a convenient option for busy nights.
Serving Suggestions
This Saucy Zucchini dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside a slice of Super Simple Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Saucy Zucchini contains roughly 1088 calories, with 67g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (134% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 674mg per serving (29% 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 a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as different shapes may require varying cooking times.
What can I do if I don't have tomato paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste, you can use tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes as a substitute. Just reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe slightly to maintain the right consistency for the sauce, and consider adding a bit more seasoning for flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or sautéed mushrooms and lentils. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces will keep the dish flavorful while making it vegetarian-friendly.
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).