Zucchini Stuffing Casserole
A comforting zucchini casserole featuring tender zucchini slices, savory stuffing cubes, and a creamy chicken soup base. This dish offers a hearty, flavorful experience perfect for family dinners or gatherings, combining vegetables, herbs, and a rich, cheesy topping for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook zucchini in boiling salted water until just tender.
- Drain the zucchini.
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter.
- Add carrots and chopped onion, and sauté until tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of stuffing cubes, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream.
- Gently fold in the cooked zucchini.
- Spoon the mixture into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Add remaining stuffing cubes and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle the remaining stuffing cubes over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes until heated through and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using garlic or herbs like thyme and oregano when sautéing the carrots and onions. If you want to make this dish a bit lighter, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce or a low-fat version. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition. This casserole pairs beautifully with Easy Veggie Quiche for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Stuffing Casserole makes a great side dish or a light main course. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome meal. It also pairs well with a fresh salad, like Sugar Mountain Chicken Salad, for a refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Stuffing Casserole contains roughly 380 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 950mg per serving (41% 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 squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or even a mix of both for a colorful dish. Just ensure that whatever squash you choose is cooked until tender so that it blends well with the stuffing mixture.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking point, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for a day. When you're ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This is a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or gatherings.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make the casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free stuffing cubes and ensure that your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work just as well in this recipe.
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).