Zucchini Pizza Casserole

I enjoy making this zucchini pizza casserole because it combines the comforting flavors of pizza with a hearty and cheesy baked casserole. The zucchini keeps the dish fresh and tender while the melted cheese and savory sauce make every bite rich and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is simple, flavorful, and perfect for using fresh zucchini. The casserole delivers all the classic pizza flavors I enjoy without needing traditional pizza dough. I also like how easy it is to customize with different toppings, meats, or cheeses depending on what I have available.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• zucchini
• ground beef or Italian sausage
• onion
• garlic
• pizza sauce
• mozzarella cheese
• parmesan cheese
• eggs
• all-purpose flour
• olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• salt
• black pepper
• pepperoni slices

Directions

1. I begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a casserole dish.
2. I grate the zucchini and gently squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel.
3. In a skillet, I cook the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic until fully browned.
4. In a large bowl, I mix the zucchini, eggs, flour, parmesan cheese, and seasonings together.
5. I spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake it for about 20 minutes.
6. I remove the dish from the oven and spread pizza sauce over the baked zucchini layer.
7. I add the cooked meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices on top.
8. I return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. I let the casserole cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

I sometimes use turkey sausage instead of beef for a lighter version. When I want extra vegetables, I add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives. I also enjoy making a vegetarian version by skipping the meat and adding more cheese and vegetables.

storage/reheating

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, I freeze portions individually for up to 2 months. To reheat, I warm slices in the oven or microwave until heated through and the cheese becomes melty again.

FAQs

Do I need to remove moisture from the zucchini?

I always remove excess moisture so the casserole does not become watery.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

I assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

I like using mozzarella for meltiness and parmesan for extra flavor.

Can I make this recipe low carb?

This casserole is already lower in carbs than traditional pizza, and I can reduce the flour if needed.

Can I freeze zucchini pizza casserole?

I freeze cooked portions in airtight containers and reheat them later for quick meals.

Conclusion

I keep making this zucchini pizza casserole because it is comforting, cheesy, and packed with delicious pizza flavors. The zucchini adds a fresh twist while the melted cheese and savory toppings make it a satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.

Zucchini Pizza Casserole

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A cheesy and comforting zucchini pizza casserole packed with savory pizza flavors, tender zucchini, rich sauce, melted cheese, and hearty toppings for a satisfying family meal.

• Author: Mayaa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 4 cups zucchini, grated
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or sausage with onion and garlic until browned.
4. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, flour, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
5. Spread the zucchini mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Bake for 20 minutes until the zucchini layer is lightly set.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and spread pizza sauce evenly over the zucchini layer.
8. Top with the cooked meat mixture, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni slices.
9. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Removing moisture from the zucchini prevents a watery casserole.
• Turkey sausage can be used for a lighter version.
• Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives for extra toppings.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables and cheese.
• Mozzarella provides the best melt while parmesan adds extra flavor.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months and reheat before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 95mg