Name: Cheesy Zucchini & Beef Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 500 g (1 lb) ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

Cheesy Zucchini & Beef Bake is a comforting, layered dish made with tender roasted zucchini, seasoned ground beef, a creamy ricotta cheese layer and plenty of golden mozzarella. It is hearty, cheesy and packed with savoury flavour, making it a satisfying family dinner that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

500 g (1 lb) ground beef

2 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup tomato sauce

3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the thinly sliced zucchini on a baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Roast for 10–12 minutes, until the zucchini is slightly tender.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until it begins to soften.

3. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns.

4. Add the minced garlic, paprika, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper. Stir in the tomato sauce and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the beef mixture is thick, fragrant and well combined.

5. In a bowl, combine the ricotta, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

6. Lightly grease a baking dish. Add a layer of roasted zucchini, followed by some of the seasoned beef and then a layer of the creamy cheese mixture. Continue layering until all the ingredients have been used.

7. Spread the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top of the bake.

8. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and deeply golden.

9. Allow the bake to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Slice the zucchini evenly so similar-sized pieces cook at the same rate.

Roast the zucchini first to help soften it before layering.

Cook the beef mixture until thick to help prevent the finished bake from becoming overly loose.

Don’t skip the 10-minute resting time because it helps the layers settle and makes the bake easier to slice.

Keep an eye on the cheese during the final uncovered baking stage so it becomes deeply golden without overbrowning.

Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used in the creamy cheese layer.

Serve warm with fresh parsley, a green salad or your favourite vegetables.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American