Mediterranean Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake
This Mediterranean Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake is a colorful, hearty dish that brings together the freshness of zucchini, the bold spices of Tex-Mex cooking, and a Mediterranean twist with creamy feta. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main vegetarian meal, a protein-packed side, or a base you can customize with ground meat or extra veggies. Cheesy, spiced, and full of texture, this bake is perfect for weeknight dinners, brunch spreads, or meal prep.
Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50–55 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
Vegetables & Base:
2–3 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons or rounds
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
½ red onion, thinly sliced or chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Pantry & Spices:
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional but recommended)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
OR 1 tbsp taco seasoning (instead of individual spices)
Dairy & Eggs (for binding):
4 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Pepper Jack or Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (Mediterranean touch)
Optional Additions:
1 cup cooked ground beef, turkey, or chicken
1 diced bell pepper or 1 cup spinach
Crushed tortilla chips (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar casserole dish with olive oil.
Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add zucchini, red onion, corn, and garlic. Sauté 5–6 minutes until zucchini begins to soften.
Stir in spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, or taco seasoning). Mix well.
If using black beans or bell peppers, stir them in at this stage.
Prepare Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
Add half of the cheddar and half of the Pepper Jack cheese.
Assemble the Bake:
Transfer sautéed vegetables to the greased baking dish.
Pour egg mixture evenly over the top.
Sprinkle remaining cheddar, Pepper Jack, and all feta cheese on top.
If using cooked ground meat, layer it in with the veggies before pouring the egg mixture.
Bake:
Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden.
For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Serve:
Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Serve warm with salsa, avocado, or Greek yogurt for dipping.
Tips & Variations
Make it Meatless: Keep it vegetarian with beans and veggies, or add lentils for extra protein.
Protein Boost: Stir in cooked chicken, ground beef, or turkey before baking for a heartier version.
Cheese Choices: Swap feta for crumbled goat cheese or add more mozzarella for extra meltiness.
Spice Control: Adjust chili powder and paprika to your taste; add jalapeños for heat.
Crunchy Top: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for texture.
Meal Prep Friendly: Bake, cool, and refrigerate in airtight containers for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use plant-based cheese and substitute milk with almond or oat milk. The eggs can also be swapped with a vegan egg replacer.
Q: Do I have to use eggs?
No. For a looser, casserole-like texture, skip the eggs and just top the veggies with cheese before baking. It will be more like a gratin.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes. You can sauté the vegetables and assemble the bake a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Q: How can I make it lower carb?
Skip the beans and corn, and use extra zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers instead.
Q: What do I serve this with?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, salsa, guacamole, or even a side of Greek yogurt for dipping.
Nutrition
(per serving, 6 servings, without meat or tortilla chips, approximate)
Calories: 230
Protein: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: ~430 mg
(Values will vary depending on added meat, cheese type, and portion size.)
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake combines bold Tex-Mex spices with a fresh Mediterranean touch, creating a versatile and satisfying dish. It’s cheesy, hearty, and easy to adapt — perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike. Whether served as a light main dish, a brunch option, or a side, it’s a flavorful way to use zucchini and brighten up your dinner table. This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself customizing again and again.