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