Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole
This Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a cozy, nutritious, and flavor-packed dish made with lean ground beef, fresh zucchini, aromatic herbs, garlic, and a savory tomato base. Topped with a golden cheesy crust, it’s perfect for a satisfying low-carb dinner that feels indulgent without the heaviness of pasta or potatoes. It’s naturally gluten-free and a great way to use up garden zucchini!
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef Filling:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1½ cups crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
2 tbsp tomato paste
¼ cup chopped parsley or cilantro
1 medium zucchini, diced or thinly sliced
For the Casserole Assembly:
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds or ribbons
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Optional topping: sliced olives, red pepper flakes, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Cook the Beef Filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes).
Season with oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and parsley. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until thickened. Stir in the diced zucchini and remove from heat.
Assemble the Casserole:
Layer half of the zucchini rounds in the bottom of the baking dish.
Spoon all the beef mixture on top and spread evenly.
Top with the remaining zucchini slices.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and feta cheese over the top.
Sprinkle thyme or Italian seasoning and any optional toppings.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Let it rest 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
Zucchini Prep Tips:
Salt and drain sliced zucchini (optional): Lightly salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry. This removes excess moisture and prevents a watery casserole.
Use a mandoline slicer for even zucchini rounds or ribbons, which cook more uniformly and look elegant.
Cheese Tips:
Mix mozzarella with a handful of Parmesan for extra savory depth.
Add feta toward the end of baking if you prefer it less melted and more crumbly.
Make-Ahead Tips:
You can fully assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Leftovers reheat well and can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Tomato Tips:
Use fire-roasted crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes with basil and garlic for a richer, more layered sauce flavor.
Variations
Protein Swaps:
Use ground lamb for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor.
Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
For a vegetarian twist, replace the beef with lentils, chopped mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles.
Veggie Additions:
Add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or eggplant into the beef mixture for added texture and nutrients.
Top with sliced tomatoes before the cheese layer for extra juiciness.
Herb Upgrades:
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, or dill can be folded into the filling or sprinkled on top for a fresh finish.
Spicy Kick:
Add a dash of chili flakes, Aleppo pepper, or a spoon of harissa paste to the beef mixture for Mediterranean heat.
Lemon Twist:
Add lemon zest to the filling or a squeeze of lemon juice over the top before serving to brighten up the flavors.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Q: Is this dish keto or low-carb?
A: Yes, this casserole is naturally low in carbs, especially if you avoid any added breadcrumbs or pasta layers. It’s ideal for keto and gluten-free diets.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze it either unbaked (wrapped tightly) or fully baked and cooled. Reheat covered in the oven until warmed through, though zucchini may become a bit softer.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This dish pairs well with a light Mediterranean salad, tzatziki, or roasted vegetables. You can also add a dollop of hummus or tahini yogurt sauce for extra richness.
Q: How do I keep it from becoming watery?
A: Zucchini holds a lot of moisture. Salting and patting dry zucchini slices before layering, as well as simmering the beef mixture until thick, will help reduce excess liquid.
Nutrition Facts
Approximate values; may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Calories: 310
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Sodium: 540mg
Cholesterol: 65mg
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole is a wholesome, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even entertaining guests. It’s rich in protein, low in carbs, and layered with warm Mediterranean spices, fresh herbs, and cheesy goodness — all without any heavy starches. With its nourishing ingredients and comforting appeal, this casserole is sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.