Zucchini Hot Dish

Warm, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Zucchini Hot Dish is the perfect family-friendly meal that’s both hearty and nutritious. Featuring tender layers of zucchini, savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and a blend of rich tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, this baked casserole is a satisfying twist on traditional comfort food. Topped with melty cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for an irresistible cheesy finish, this dish also incorporates cooked rice for added texture and heartiness. Ready in just about an hour, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and enjoy this wholesome, gluten-free casserole that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion
• 2 large garlic cloves
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (canned)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Wash the zucchinis and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and sauté the diced onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom.

Step 8

Spread half of the cooked rice over the zucchini slices, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture.

Step 9

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat sauce.

Step 10

Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini slices, cooked rice, meat sauce, and finish with the mozzarella cheese and the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Step 11

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Step 12

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Let the zucchini hot dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2788.8 grams (2788.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3407

Total Fat 199.00g	255%
Saturated Fat 98.10g	490%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.90g
Cholesterol 624mg	208%
Sodium 13376mg	582%
Total Carbohydrate 227.60g	83%
Dietary Fiber 17.50g	63%
Total Sugars 79.50g
Protein 188.30g	377%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2772mg	213%
Iron 18mg	98%
Potassium 4023mg	86%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.8%

Protein: 21.8%

Carbs: 26.4%