Hearty Zucchini & Beef Bake: Your New Weeknight Favorite!

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lbs zucchini, cut into rounds (don’t forget to salt and pat dry!)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, diced
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder (for veggies)
  • ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (for beef)
  • 2 tsp Italian herb blend

Let’s Get Cooking: 

  1. Prep Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Sauté the Veggies: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in the diced mushrooms and cook for another 4-5 minutes until they release their moisture. Stir in ½ tsp each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Transfer the sautéed veggies to a plate and set aside.
  3. Brown the Beef: Using the same skillet, add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Stir in ½ tsp each of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
  4. Assemble Your Bake: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the zucchini rounds, sautéed vegetables, cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Italian herb blend, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently until well combined.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle the top with the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Melt the Cheese: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mozzarella cheese over the top, and return to the oven until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
  7. Serve & Enjoy! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

This Zucchini and Beef Bake is a fantastic way to get those veggies in while enjoying a hearty, satisfying meal. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

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