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Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole

Savory Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole Delight

A quick and delicious Ground Beef Zucchini and Rice Casserole that incorporates hidden veggies for a family-friendly meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Quick Meals
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Casserole
  • 1 pound Ground Beef 80/20 or 85/15 fat content
  • 2 medium Zucchini fresh, to avoid bitterness
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice white or brown
  • 1 medium Onion minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning dried basil, oregano, and thyme can be substituted
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes for convenience
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese or Ricotta for a creamier texture
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil for sautéing
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Oven

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 395°F (200°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown for 3–4 minutes.
  3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté minced onion, garlic, and chopped zucchini for 2 minutes until softened.
  4. Mix in cooked rice, Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese until combined and creamy; simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish, smooth into an even layer, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
  6. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before serving and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to five days and can be frozen for up to three months.

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