Description
A comforting casserole featuring layers of zucchini, savory beef, and melty cheese, offering a lighter twist on pizza.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini, shredded (about 4 cups)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- Pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste
- Dried or fresh parsley, oregano (if available)
- 1 cup pizza sauce (sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz pepperoni, sliced (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by shredding your zucchini and transferring it to a colander. Sprinkle with salt, and toss to combine. Let it rest for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once rested, squeeze out as much water as possible and place the shredded zucchini into a large mixing bowl.
- In that same bowl, add the eggs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, and cheddar jack cheese. Stir thoroughly until combined.
- Spread this mixture evenly into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish to form your crust.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the crust for 20 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the ground beef, ensuring to drain any excess fat.
- Once browned, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano, allowing the flavors to meld for a minute.
- Next, mix in the pizza sauce and tomato paste, letting it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the crust from the oven. Layer the meat mixture evenly over the crust, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Dust with fresh parsley for that vibrant finish.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Combine your zucchini and egg mixture the night before. For a quicker meal, try cooking in an air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg