Zucchini Pizza Casserole Recipe

If you love pizza but crave something a little lighter with a fresh garden twist, you are in for a treat with Zucchini Pizza Casserole. This wonderfully hearty and cheesy bake is packed with all your favorite pizza flavors but swaps the crust for a savory layer of shredded zucchini, making it both wholesome and irresistibly delicious. Whether you are feeding a family or simply looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, Zucchini Pizza Casserole is the sort of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Zucchini Pizza Casserole is its simple ingredient list that comes together to create layers of flavor, color, and beloved pizza texture. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, making the dish both familiar and exciting.

• Shredded zucchini: This is the star of the casserole and substitutes for a carb-heavy crust with a tender, veggie-packed base.
• Salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture from the zucchini so your crust bakes up set, not soggy.
• Large eggs: They work as a binder to hold the zucchini crust together beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory note and helps the base firm up as it bakes.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese, divided: The gooey, stringy star of the show, included in both the crust and the topping for full cheesy effect.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Lends a touch of sharpness and added golden color on top.
• Ground beef: Brings a hearty, savory element reminiscent of classic pizza meat toppings.
• Chopped onion: Sweet and aromatic, onion rounds out the flavor of the meat sauce.
• Pizza sauce: The tangy, herby backbone that pulls all the “pizza” flavors together.
• Chopped green bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a pleasant crunch.
• Sliced mushrooms: Earthy, juicy bites that soak up all the seasoning in the sauce.
• Dried oregano: No pizza-inspired dish would be complete without this classic, fragrant herb.
• Garlic powder: Provides a deep, garlicky base without the fuss of mincing fresh cloves.
• Black pepper: Gives a mild kick and rounds out the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Getting your oven up to temperature first means it’ll be ready just as you finish layering everything together, so the whole process flows perfectly and you get a beautiful golden top.

Step 2: Prep the Zucchini

In a large bowl, toss the shredded zucchini with the salt and let it rest for 10 minutes. This little bit of patience allows the salt to draw out water from the zucchini, a key step for keeping your casserole from turning soggy later.

Step 3: Squeeze It Dry

After those quick 10 minutes, gather the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Don’t be shy here! The drier your zucchini, the better your crust will hold up.

Step 4: Make the Crust Mixture

Mix together the well-drained zucchini with the eggs, grated Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is nicely combined and you have a green-flecked, cheesy mixture that will form your base.

Step 5: Press and Shape

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and press the zucchini mixture in an even layer across the bottom. Spread it right into the corners to ensure every slice gets a sturdy “crust.”

Step 6: Bake the Zucchini Crust

Bake the crust in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until it’s set and lightly golden around the edges. This gives your Zucchini Pizza Casserole the perfect base for all your toppings.

Step 7: Cook the Beef & Veggies

While the crust bakes, brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain off any extra fat so your casserole stays rich but not greasy.

Step 8: Make the Pizza Sauce Mixture

To the skillet with the cooked beef and onions, add the pizza sauce, bell pepper, mushrooms, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the veggies become just tender.

Step 9: Assemble the Layers

Spoon the hot, saucy beef mixture evenly over the baked zucchini crust. Spreading it to every edge ensures maximum flavor in each bite.

Step 10: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the rest of your mozzarella and all of the cheddar cheese over the top. This cheesy blanket is what brings everything together with that signature pizza melt.

Step 11: Bake Until Bubbly

Pop the dish back in the oven for another 20 minutes, baking just until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling irresistibly.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes out of the oven. This helps the Zucchini Pizza Casserole firm up, making it easier to cut cleanly into hearty slices. Serve and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley over the finished Zucchini Pizza Casserole for a touch of color and an aromatic boost. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some extra grated Parmesan on top won’t go amiss. These finishing touches really make every slice feel special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Zucchini Pizza Casserole with a crisp, simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette for balance. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, garlic breadsticks, or a platter of marinated olives for a festive Italian-inspired spread that rounds out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate the presentation, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or use a round baking dish and slice it like a classic pizza. For parties, cut the cooled casserole into finger-friendly squares and serve on a board with toothpicks—perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Zucchini Pizza Casserole keeps surprisingly well. Just let it cool completely before wrapping tightly or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great candidate for easy lunches or stress-free weeknight repeats.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Make sure to chill it fully first, then cut into portions and wrap each in plastic wrap, followed by foil or a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months—ideal for when you want a speedy homemade dinner without any fuss.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat slices of Zucchini Pizza Casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, though the crust will be a bit softer—still delicious!

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and ground chicken work great in this recipe and lighten up the dish even further. Just season well since they’re milder than beef, and follow the steps as written.

How do I keep the casserole from getting watery?

The key is to squeeze as much liquid as possible from the zucchini before making the crust. Don’t skip the salting and squeezing steps, and bake the crust until it’s golden around the edges before adding your toppings.

Can I add extra pizza toppings?

Of course! Feel free to get creative—add olives, cooked sausage, pepperoni, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just be mindful not to overload the top to keep the casserole from becoming too heavy or watery.

Is Zucchini Pizza Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! The zucchini crust makes this dish entirely gluten-free by default, as long as you check that your pizza sauce doesn’t contain added gluten or wheat-based thickeners.

Can I make Zucchini Pizza Casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely. Simply skip the ground beef and beef up the vegetables instead—try sautéed spinach, extra mushrooms, or even lentils for added heartiness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s equal parts comforting, healthy, and downright fun, Zucchini Pizza Casserole is destined to become your new go-to. Whether you’re serving picky eaters, experimenting with low-carb meals, or just want to sneak in a few extra veggies, this casserole hits all the marks. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

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