A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, fresh zucchini, and savory cheeses. This zucchini hamburger casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 6 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of onion soup
- 1 1/2 cups Italian blend cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and ground beef; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the Zucchini: Add sliced zucchini and shredded carrots to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Prepare the Stuffing: Melt butter and mix it with the herb-flavored stuffing mix in a bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, stir together sour cream, cream of celery soup, and cream of onion soup until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the beef and vegetable mixture, pour the creamy soup mixture over it, then top with stuffing mix. Finish with a layer of shredded Italian blend cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and veggie-packed casserole!
Variation
- Swap the Ground Beef:
Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative that still offers plenty of flavor. These options reduce the overall fat content and can make the dish feel a bit lighter, especially during warmer months. Be sure to season well, as lean meats tend to have milder flavor than beef. - Make It Vegetarian:
Replace the ground meat with a plant-based alternative or add a can of drained lentils or black beans. You’ll still get that hearty texture while keeping things meat-free. Add a little extra seasoning or some smoked paprika to enhance depth. - Try Different Cheeses:
Instead of Italian blend, try sharp cheddar for a bolder taste, or mozzarella for a milder, melty finish. You could also add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top before baking for a crisp, savory crust. Mixing cheese varieties adds more complexity to each bite.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini:
Zucchini contains a lot of moisture, and if overcooked, it can become mushy. Slice it thick enough to hold its shape and avoid sautéing it before baking. let it soften naturally in the oven. - Use Fresh or Frozen Veggies:
Fresh zucchini is ideal, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry to avoid extra water in the casserole, which can make the dish soggy. - Let It Rest Before Serving:
After removing the casserole from the oven, allow it to sit for at least 5–10 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Crisp Salad:
Serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole. A cucumber-tomato salad or arugula with lemon dressing works well to cut through the creaminess. - Add a Side of Bread or Rolls:
A slice of crusty bread or a warm dinner roll makes a great companion. It’s perfect for scooping up the cheesy, savory layers and adds an extra element of comfort. - Make It a Full Meal:
Round out dinner with a fruit salad or light soup. A chilled fruit salad with berries and mint offers a refreshing finish, while a light vegetable soup adds more nourishment without heaviness.
Tips
- Drain the Meat Well:
After browning the ground beef, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole. Skipping this step can lead to a heavy texture and a layer of oil that pools on top during baking. - Customize the Seasonings:
Feel free to add your favorite spices like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost. This is especially helpful if you’re using plain stuffing mix or milder meat. - Prep Ahead for Busy Nights:
Assemble the casserole in the morning or the night before, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or for prepping in advance for gatherings.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 16 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats to take the chill off. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still cold when it goes into the oven. - What can I use instead of stuffing mix?
If you don’t have herb-flavored stuffing mix, use crumbled cornbread, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crushed buttery crackers. Add a bit of dried herbs (like thyme, sage, or parsley) to replicate that savory stuffing flavor. - How do I keep the casserole from being watery?
Zucchini naturally releases a lot of water as it cooks. To help reduce moisture, pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to the casserole. Using fresh (not frozen) zucchini and not over-mixing can also help keep the texture firm.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Hamburger Casserole brings together hearty ground beef, tender veggies, and rich creamy layers for a dish that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing. It’s ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you need a warm, filling meal with minimal fuss. With make-ahead and freezer-friendly options, it’s also a practical recipe to keep in your rotation. Give it a try you might just find your new favorite casserole!
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Zucchini Hamburger Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, fresh zucchini, and savory cheeses. This zucchini hamburger casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 6 cups zucchini, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces herb-flavored stuffing mix
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of celery soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of onion soup
- 1 1/2 cups Italian blend cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add onion and ground beef; cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
- Layer the Zucchini: Add sliced zucchini and shredded carrots to the beef mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Prepare the Stuffing: Melt butter and mix it with the herb-flavored stuffing mix in a bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In another bowl, stir together sour cream, cream of celery soup, and cream of onion soup until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the beef and vegetable mixture, pour the creamy soup mixture over it, then top with stuffing mix. Finish with a layer of shredded Italian blend cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this warm, cheesy, and veggie-packed casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: <0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, hamburger casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy casserole