Zucchini Pizza Casserole

🍕 Zucchini Pizza Casserole

A delicious low-carb, Mediterranean-inspired casserole that combines all the flavors of pizza with healthy zucchini instead of a traditional crust. It’s cheesy, hearty, and perfect for a comforting yet lighter dinner.

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🧾 Ingredients

• 3 medium zucchini, sliced or diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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

• 1 cup pizza or marinara sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms or olives (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

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

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

3. Prepare the Meat Sauce
   In the same skillet, sauté onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic.
   Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.

4. Season the Sauce
   Stir in pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.

5. Assemble the Casserole
   Spread the zucchini in the baking dish.
   Top with the meat sauce, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan.

6. Add Toppings
   Add pepperoni, olives, or mushrooms if using.

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

8. Garnish and Serve
   Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

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🌿 Description

This zucchini pizza casserole delivers all the comforting pizza flavors—savory tomato sauce, melty cheese, and delicious toppings—while keeping the dish lighter and packed with vegetables. It’s perfect for low-carb or Mediterranean-style meals.

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💡 Tips

• Salt the zucchini lightly and let it sit 10 minutes, then pat dry to reduce extra moisture.

• Add bell peppers or spinach for more vegetables.

• For extra flavor, mix a little ricotta cheese into the layers.

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Q: Can I freeze zucchini pizza casserole?
A: Yes, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.