Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a tasty, comforting dish that combines the crispness of fresh zucchini with all the flavors you love from your favorite pizza. Think layers of tender zucchini slices, gooey melted cheese, tangy tomato sauce, and pepperoni or your choice of toppings baked together into a warm, bubbly casserole. It’s like pizza and veggies had a delicious, cozy meeting in the oven!
I love making this casserole when I want something a bit lighter but still satisfying and full of pizza flavors. It’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into the meal without anyone feeling like they’re missing out on classic pizza goodness. I often sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top before baking for that perfect cheesy crust effect that makes everyone smile.
When I serve it, I like pairing it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s also fantastic for leftovers—just pop it in the microwave or oven, and it tastes just as yummy the next day. This casserole always reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone can dig in together without any fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Choose firm, medium zucchinis for the best texture. Slicing them thin helps cook evenly and layers nicely. If zucchinis aren’t available, yellow squash makes a good substitute.
Ground meat: Ground beef adds richness and flavor, but ground turkey or chicken can lighten the dish. For a vegetarian option, try cooked lentils or crumbled tempeh.
Cheeses: Mozzarella brings that melty, stretchy texture, while cheddar adds extra sharpness. Ricotta mixed with an egg forms a creamy layer. You can swap ricotta with cottage cheese if preferred, just blend it smooth first.
Pizza sauce: A good-quality jarred pizza or marinara sauce works well, but homemade tomato sauce seasoned with garlic and herbs is tasty too.
How Can I Prevent the Casserole from Becoming Watery?
Zucchini holds lots of moisture, which can make the casserole watery if not managed well. Here are some tips:
- Slice zucchini thin and sprinkle the slices with salt. Let them sit 10-15 minutes, then gently press or pat dry with paper towels to remove excess water.
- Don’t skip draining the cooked ground meat well to avoid extra grease in the dish.
- Layer the ingredients without overcrowding; spread ingredients evenly to help heat circulate during baking.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking, so juices settle and the casserole firms up for easier serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – perfect for browning the ground meat and sautéing onions and garlic evenly.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – helps you slice zucchinis thinly and safely.
- Mixing bowl – for combining ricotta and egg smoothly without mess.
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – roomy enough for layering ingredients and baking evenly.
- Aluminum foil – to cover the casserole for even cooking and to keep moisture in.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier, richer flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers or mushrooms between layers for extra veggies and texture.
- Use part mozzarella and part pepper jack cheese for a mild kick of heat.
- Stir fresh chopped basil or spinach into the ricotta mixture for a fresh, herbal note.
How to Make Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Layers:
- 4 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) pizza sauce or marinara sauce
For the Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Olive oil for sautéing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and another 40-45 minutes to bake and rest. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour from start to finish, including layering the zucchini, meat sauce, and cheese layers, then baking the casserole until it’s hot and bubbly.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Wash the zucchinis well and slice them thinly—about 1/8-inch thick—either lengthwise or into rounds. Set these slices aside while you make the sauce.
2. Cook the Meat Sauce:
Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat. Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low for 5-7 minutes so the flavors blend well. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the egg and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This will offer a nice creamy layer in your casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of zucchini slices on top, overlapping them slightly. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top. Add another layer of the meat sauce, then repeat—adding zucchini, cheese mixture, and shredded cheese. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce topped by the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheeses.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like.
This zucchini pizza casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy pizza flavors with fresh veggies and melted cheeses, making it comforting and a little healthier at the same time!
Can I Use Frozen Zucchini for This Casserole?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe to avoid excess moisture. If using frozen zucchini, thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before layering to prevent a watery casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work well. For a vegetarian option, try cooked lentils or sautéed mushrooms as a tasty meat substitute.
