Zucchini Pizza Casserole

⏱ Prep: 20 minutes
⏱ Bake: 30–35 minutes
🍽 Serves: 6

🛒 Ingredients

For the Zucchini Base

• 4 medium zucchini (about 2 lbs), sliced into ¼-inch rounds

• 1 tsp salt (for draining moisture)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cups marinara or pizza sauce

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Toppings

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)

• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

• ¼ cup sliced black olives

• ½ green bell pepper, diced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Zucchini

1. Place sliced zucchini in a colander.

2. Sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and toss.

3. Let sit 15–20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.

4. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

👉 This step prevents a watery casserole.

2️⃣ Pre-Cook the Zucchini (Important!)

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Lightly sauté zucchini for 5–7 minutes until slightly tender.

3. Remove from heat and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Meat Sauce

1. In the same skillet, brown ground beef or sausage.

2. Add onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).

3. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add marinara, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

5. Simmer 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

4️⃣ Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Layer half of the zucchini on the bottom.

4. Spoon half of the meat sauce over it.

5. Sprinkle with mozzarella and a little Parmesan.

6. Repeat layers.

7. Add pepperoni and other toppings on top.

8. Finish with remaining cheese.

5️⃣ Bake

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.

• If needed, broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning.

• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

• Remove as much zucchini moisture as possible.

• Don’t skip pre-cooking the zucchini.

• Let it rest before serving so it sets up properly.

🥗 Make It Your Way

Low-Carb/Keto: Already keto-friendly.
Vegetarian: Skip meat and add mushrooms, spinach, and extra peppers.
Supreme Style: Add cooked bacon and ham.
White Pizza Version: Replace marinara with Alfredo sauce and add ricotta.