Zucchini Pizza Pie
A hearty, veggie‑laden pizza pie with zucchini, mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and a savory beef‑tomato sauce—perfect for family dinners or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
- about 1 1/2 lb. zucchini (4 c.) ⓘ
- 1 c. each: shredded Mozzarella and sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. each: salt and garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium sized onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano leaves or spice ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, seeded and cut in thin slices ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. mushrooms, sliced or chopped ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, seeded, and cut in thin slices ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, shredded mozzarella, shredded cheddar, beaten eggs, salt, and garlic salt. Mix until well incorporated.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced green pepper, red pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese; simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly over a prepared baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Pour the zucchini cheese mixture over the beef layer, spreading it to cover the surface.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the zucchini mixture is set.
- Let the pie cool for a few minutes before slicing into wedges.
- Serve hot, optionally with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like basil or thyme to the zucchini mixture. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese can be a convenient substitute. For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. If you want to add more vegetables, spinach or kale would work well in the beef mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Pizza Pie pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For an extra touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese on top. For more comforting Italian dishes, consider browsing our Beef recipes or serving alongside the Best Lasagne.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave, though the oven will keep the crust crispy better than the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Pizza Pie contains roughly 496 calories, with 14g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (50% of the Daily Value), protein (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1681mg per serving (73% 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 other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and cheddar are classic choices, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gouda or feta for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they melt well to maintain the desired texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't use any flour. Just be sure to check that your cheese and any additional toppings are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the zucchini and beef mixture ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
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).