Zucchini Pizza Casserole 

Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced or chopped

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 cup pizza sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup pepperoni slices (optional)

• ½ cup bell peppers or mushrooms (optional toppings)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.

2. Cook the Zucchini
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
   Add zucchini and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   In the same pan, cook the onion for 2–3 minutes.
   Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
   Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Add Sauce & Seasoning
   Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Assemble the Casserole

   • Spread zucchini evenly in the baking dish.

   • Pour the meat sauce on top.

   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the mixture.

   • Add pepperoni and other toppings if desired.

6. Bake
   Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve
   Let it cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Q&A

Q1: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the ground meat with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat.

Q2: How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Lightly salt the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before cooking.

Q3: Can I add more pizza toppings?
Absolutely. Olives, jalapeños, cooked sausage, spinach, or tomatoes work well.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q5: Can I freeze Zucchini Pizza Casserole?
Yes. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C).

Q6: What can I serve with this casserole?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.