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Beef Zucchini

A delicious baked beef and zucchini casserole with cheese and herbs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 0.5 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound zucchini sliced into ¼-inch rounds
  • 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup part skim ricotta cheese
  • 0.25 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • chopped fresh basil for garnish

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Cook the orzo according to the directions on the package. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the zucchini to the heated oil and season with Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Remove zucchini and transfer to a large bowl. Add cooked orzo and stir. Set aside.
  5. Return skillet to heat. Add remaining olive oil, cook onions for 1 minute, then add garlic and cook for 20 seconds.
  6. Add ground beef, season with remaining salt, cook 6-7 minutes until browned.
  7. Drain fat, transfer beef to the bowl with orzo and zucchini.
  8. Stir in crushed tomatoes, ½ cup mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan cheese, basil, thyme. Mix well.
  9. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and cheese melts.
  11. Remove from oven, let stand for 10-15 minutes.
  12. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve.

Notes

This hearty casserole combines fresh zucchini, ground beef, and cheese for a comforting meal.