Zucchini Cheesy Beef Pizza Bake
Delight in this Zucchini Cheesy Beef Pizza Bake, a scrumptious and effortless dish that combines the wholesome goodness of zucchini with the savory flavors of ground beef and irresistible melted cheeses. It's like a pizza, but in a casserole form that the whole family will love! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this casserole is also a sneaky way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals. You can customize it with your favorite pizza sauce or use the recommended homemade version. Enjoy this hearty dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food while keeping things light and nutritious.
N/A
Servings
525
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
4 cups (unpeeled and shredded)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
eggs
2
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded, divided)
mozzarella cheese
2 cups (shredded, divided)
ground beef
1 lb (browned)
garlic
1-2 tablespoons (minced)
onion
1 (chopped)
Italian-style tomato sauce
15 ounces
green pepper
1 medium (seeded and chopped)
black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 13x9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2
Place the shredded zucchini in a strainer and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Allow the zucchini to drain for about 10 minutes.
3
After draining, squeeze the zucchini well to remove excess moisture and set it aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the eggs, grated parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until well combined.
5
Press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form a crust.
6
Bake the zucchini crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until lightly set and golden.
7
While the crust is baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Season with salt and pepper, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
8
Stir in the Italian-style tomato sauce with oregano and basil into the beef mixture until evenly mixed.
9
When the zucchini crust is finished baking, remove it from the oven and spoon the beef mixture evenly over the top.
10
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture, then add the chopped green pepper evenly on top.
11
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Zucchini Cheesy Beef Pizza Bake!
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini Cheesy Beef Pizza Bake?
It is a low-carb casserole that uses a shredded zucchini crust topped with seasoned ground beef, Italian-style tomato sauce, and melted cheeses.
Is this recipe considered low carb?
Yes, with only 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving and a vegetable-based crust, it is a great low-carb pizza alternative.
Do I need to peel the zucchini before shredding?
No, the recipe calls for 4 cups of unpeeled, shredded zucchini.
Why must I salt and squeeze the zucchini?
Salting and squeezing the zucchini removes excess moisture, which prevents the crust and the casserole from becoming watery.
How long should I drain the zucchini?
Allow the shredded zucchini to drain in a strainer for about 10 minutes after salting.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the zucchini crust bake?
The crust should bake for 20 minutes until it is lightly set and golden.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 525 calories.
What size baking dish is needed?
You should use a greased 13x9-inch baking dish.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or ground chicken if you prefer a leaner protein option.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses a combination of grated parmesan, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many eggs are required for the crust?
The recipe requires 2 eggs to bind the zucchini crust mixture.
What ingredients go into the beef topping?
The topping consists of ground beef, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Italian-style tomato sauce.
What kind of tomato sauce is best?
The recipe recommends using 15 ounces of Italian-style tomato sauce with oregano and basil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free; however, you should always check the label on your tomato sauce to ensure it is certified gluten-free.
How much protein is in this dish?
This recipe provides 30g of protein per serving.
How much fat is in the Zucchini Cheesy Beef Pizza Bake?
There are 35g of fat per serving.
Can I add other pizza toppings?
Absolutely! You can customize it by adding mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, or other favorite pizza toppings.
How do I prepare the green pepper?
The green pepper should be seeded and chopped before being sprinkled over the cheese.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 40 minutes: 20 minutes for the crust and an additional 20 minutes after adding the toppings.
Should the ground beef be cooked before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, you should brown the ground beef with garlic and onion in a skillet and drain the excess fat before layering it onto the crust.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is finished when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is designed to be a family-friendly comfort food that is a sneaky way to serve more vegetables to children.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1-2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Can I use different peppers?
Yes, red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used instead of green pepper for a sweeter flavor.
How much parmesan cheese is included?
The crust uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is there a specific way to layer the cheese?
Half of the cheddar and mozzarella are mixed into the crust, while the remaining half is sprinkled on top of the beef mixture.
What should I do with the excess fat from the beef?
It is important to drain the excess fat from the skillet after browning the meat to keep the casserole from being too greasy.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, let the bake cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow it to set for easier serving.