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Cottage Cheese Zucchini Hamburger Casserole

Cottage Cheese Zucchini Hamburger Casserole in 1 Hour

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This cottage cheese zucchini hamburger casserole is a hearty, low-carb dinner packed with ground beef, fresh zucchini, and creamy cottage cheese. It bakes up bubbly with a golden cheese topping and comes together in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal without a lot of fuss.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 cups zucchini, sliced into half-moons
  • 1/2 small onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sugar marinara sauce
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet if needed.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and marinara sauce until well combined.
  6. Layer half of the zucchini slices evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  7. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the zucchini layer.
  8. Spread the cottage cheese evenly over the beef layer.
  9. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini and beef mixture.
  10. Top the casserole with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
  12. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets properly.

Notes

  • Use a mandoline slicer to cut the zucchini quickly and evenly.
  • Pat the zucchini slices dry with a paper towel before layering to reduce excess moisture in the casserole.
  • You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
  • This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
  • Author: Emily Frost
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg