Hey y'all! If you're searching for a mouthwatering dinner that satisfies those pizza cravings without the carbs, you're going to love this Zucchini Pizza Casserole. It's brimming with melty cheese, savory pizza toppings, and a tender zucchini crust—totally family-friendly and perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you want a healthier spin on classic comfort food. Ready to dig in? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- It’s a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to pizza that satisfies your cravings.
- Packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and nutritious dinner choice.
- Family-friendly and highly customizable with your favorite pizza toppings.
- Perfect for meal prep—just reheat and enjoy throughout the week.
- Simple to prepare and bakes up golden, bubbly, and delicious every time!
Ingredients for Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- 4 cups shredded zucchini (about 2 large zucchini)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or sausage)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Crust
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Place the shredded zucchini in a colander over the sink. Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, use clean kitchen towels or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much excess water from the zucchini as possible. This keeps the casserole from getting soggy!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, eggs, Parmesan, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Mix well.
- Spread the zucchini mixture in an even layer in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
- While the zucchini base bakes, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onions, cooking until beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any fat, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer on low for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- Spoon the meat sauce evenly over the baked zucchini base.
- Top with remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and lay the pepperoni slices over the top.
- Return to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley, if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Notes for Zucchini Pizza Casserole Success
- Really squeeze out the zucchini—this is key for a firm crust! Learn how here.
- Sub ground turkey or Italian sausage for beef to mix up the flavors.
- You can use your favorite pizza sauce in place of tomato sauce if you like more Italian herbs.
Zucchini Pizza Casserole Variations
- Vegetarian Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Skip the meat and bulk up with bell peppers, mushrooms, and olives.
- Spicy Zucchini Pizza Casserole: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
- Cheesy Supreme: Layer on provolone, cheddar, and fresh mozzarella for extra cheesy goodness.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Colander and cheesecloth/kitchen towels
- 9x13-inch casserole or baking dish
- Skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Zucchini Pizza Casserole Storage Instructions
Let any leftovers cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Serving Suggestions for Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
- Try serving with a side of homemade garlic bread for classic pizza night vibes.
- Top with extra Parmesan, red pepper flakes, or fresh basil for an added flavor boost.
Pro Tips for the Best Zucchini Pizza Casserole
- For best texture, shred zucchini coarsely and allow plenty of time for draining—learn why it's crucial at Bon Appétit.
- Let the casserole rest a few minutes before slicing to help it firm up for easy serving.
- Double the recipe and bake in two pans for easy meal prep and leftovers!
Zucchini Pizza Casserole FAQs
- Can I freeze Zucchini Pizza Casserole?
- Absolutely! Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat as needed.
- Can I use yellow squash instead of zucchini?
- Yes, yellow squash works just as well and gives a slightly sweeter flavor.
- How do I keep my casserole from being watery?
- Be sure to thoroughly squeeze excess moisture out of the shredded zucchini before baking for the best texture.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded zucchini
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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2Place shredded zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with salt, toss, and let stand for 10 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
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3In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
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4Bake the zucchini crust for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, cook ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender; drain grease.
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5Spread pizza sauce over the baked zucchini crust. Top with the cooked ground beef mixture, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and Italian seasoning. Arrange sliced pepperoni on top.
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6Return casserole to oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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