Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe
This Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a delicious and healthier twist on traditional pizza, featuring a low-carb zucchini crust loaded with flavorful ground beef, vegetables, and a blend of melty cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep and offers a satisfying way to enjoy your favorite pizza flavors with added veggies.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Crust
- 4 cups shredded zucchini
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (half of 2 cups)
Topping
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (remaining half)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure a hot cooking environment for the zucchini crust and casserole.
- Prepare Zucchini: In a large bowl, combine the shredded zucchini and salt. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture from the zucchini.
- Drain Moisture: After 10 minutes, using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini to prevent a soggy crust.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: Return the drained zucchini to the bowl and add the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix thoroughly to form your zucchini crust mixture.
- Form Crust: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then press the zucchini mixture evenly into the bottom to form a crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is set and lightly golden brown.
- Cook Beef Mixture: While crust bakes, brown ground beef with chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is cooked through and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Combine Toppings: Add pizza sauce, chopped green bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper to the beef. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Casserole: Once the crust is baked, spread the beef mixture evenly over it in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and all cheddar cheese evenly over the beef layer.
- Bake Final Dish: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for several minutes before slicing and serving to allow flavors to set.
Notes
- Be sure to thoroughly squeeze out zucchini moisture to avoid a watery crust.
- Use fresh shredded zucchini for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of casserole)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: zucchini pizza casserole, low carb pizza, vegetable crust pizza, healthy pizza recipe, ground beef casserole