Zucchini Texas Hash
A hearty and flavorful casserole featuring zucchini, ground beef, and tomatoes, perfect for a comforting family dinner with a hint of chili spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice zucchini, onions, and green peppers.
- Lightly brown the sliced vegetables in a small amount of oil, then set aside.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
- Combine the browned vegetables, ground beef, tomatoes, uncooked noodles, and chili powder in a casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 20 to 30 minutes or until the noodles are cooked and have absorbed the fluids.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding minced garlic or bell pepper to the vegetable mix. If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for the ground beef to make it lighter. You can also use pre-cooked pasta instead of uncooked noodles to save time. Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference, or add cumin for a different spice profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Zucchini Texas Hash makes a hearty main dish, perfect on its own or accompanied by a fresh green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Savory Oven Pot Roast for a comforting dinner. You can also garnish with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zucchini Texas Hash contains roughly 807 calories, with 29g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (220% of the Daily Value), protein (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 990mg per serving (43% 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 vegetables in this hash?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as mushrooms, corn, or even spinach. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the vegetables you choose, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this Zucchini Texas Hash vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or omit it altogether. You can also add more vegetables or beans for protein, such as black beans or chickpeas, which will complement the dish nicely.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time. Assemble all the ingredients in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through completely.
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).