Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bake
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bake! This hearty casserole blends the earthy taste of zucchini with savory beef, rich cheeses, and a zesty tomato sauce. It's an effortless, guilt-free alternative to traditional pizza and a perfect way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Once you experience its deliciousness, you'll want to keep zucchini stocked in your kitchen all season long!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
shredded unpeeled zucchini
4 cups (shredded)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
eggs
2 (beaten)
grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (for mixing)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups (divided)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (divided)
ground beef
1 lb (cooked and drained)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (fresh)
Italian tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
medium green pepper
1 (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Place the shredded zucchini in a strainer and sprinkle with salt. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out any remaining liquid.
3
In a large bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4
Transfer the zucchini mixture into a greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish and press it down evenly to form a base layer.
5
Bake the zucchini base in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes until it begins to set.
6
While the zucchini base is baking, brown the ground beef along with chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain excess fat, then stir in the Italian tomato sauce. Let simmer for a few minutes.
7
Once the zucchini base is ready, remove it from the oven and spread the beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the top.
8
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses evenly on top, then add the chopped green pepper.
9
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bake!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
12g
Protein
1g
Fiber
1.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bake?
It is a hearty casserole that blends the earthy taste of zucchini with savory beef, rich cheeses, and a zesty tomato sauce as a guilt-free alternative to traditional pizza.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving of the Cheesy Zucchini Pizza Bake contains 225 calories.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
This recipe contains 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in the bake?
Each serving provides 12 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, it contains 1 gram of fiber per serving.
What is the sugar content?
There is 1.5 grams of sugar in each serving.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the zucchini for the crust?
Shred the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then squeeze out the excess moisture with your hands.
Why is it important to salt the zucchini?
Salting the zucchini helps draw out excess moisture so that the crust base sets properly and does not become soggy.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 13 x 9-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How long does the zucchini base bake initially?
The zucchini base should bake uncovered for 20 minutes until it begins to set.
How long is the second baking period?
Once the toppings are added, bake for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What types of cheese are required?
This recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese, part-skim mozzarella cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese do I need?
You will need 2 cups of part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided for the base and the topping.
How much cheddar cheese should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
What is the amount of Parmesan cheese needed?
You need 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for the zucchini mixture.
Should the zucchini be peeled?
No, the recipe calls for 4 cups of shredded unpeeled zucchini.
What kind of meat is included in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, which should be browned and drained.
What vegetables are used as toppings?
A medium green pepper is chopped and added as a topping before the final bake.
What type of sauce is recommended?
The recipe uses 15 ounces of canned Italian tomato sauce.
How many eggs are used in the mixture?
Two beaten eggs are used to help bind the zucchini base.
Are onions used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/2 cup of fresh chopped onion is browned along with the ground beef.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy eating recipe and is a nutritious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
What are the common tags for this dish?
The tags include casserole, zucchini, vegetable, cheesy, pizza, ground beef, healthy eating, comfort food, and easy recipes.
How much salt is used to draw moisture from the zucchini?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt to sprinkle over the shredded zucchini.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
No, the zucchini base and the final casserole should both be baked uncovered.
How should the dish be served?
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
Why is this a good alternative to traditional pizza?
It provides all the savory flavors of a pizza while replacing the heavy dough with a nutritious zucchini-based crust.