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zucchini pizza casserole

Zucchini Pizza Casserole with Homemade Sauce

5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 3 1/2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini about 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1/4 tsp coarse salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese
  • 4 oz cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 lb ground beef

simple sauce

  • 28 oz can Italian branded tomatoes San Marzano brand is my favorite Italian brand!
  • 1 tsp coarse salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400º F. Shred zucchini. Place in a strainer, and sprinkle with salt. Let stand 10 minutes, and then press to release moisture.
    2. Combine zucchini with eggs, parmesan cheese, half of the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Press mixture into lightly greased 8 x 8 pan. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
    3. While crust is cooking, get started on simple sauce. Drain 3/4 of the juice off the tomatoes. Discard juice. Place tomatoes in a medium size shallow saucepan. Add salt, pepper, and oregano to tomatoes. Stir and let simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
    4. Meahwhile, while crust is still cooking and sauce is simmering, brown ground beef in a separate pan. Drain any liquid and set aside.
    5. Add olive oil to tomato sauce pan and stir to desired consistency. Add drained ground beef to simple sauce. Pour beef and tomato sauce mixture over the zucchini crust. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese. 
    6. Bake for an additional 20 minutes. Enjoy!!
    - If you make this recipe, tag me on instagram @lexingtonbrewer so I can see!

Notes

 
  • Drain zucchini extremely well! I used a cheese cloth and wrung out all the excess water I could. You want it has dry as possible so that your crust is crispy vs soggy.
  • Must use Italian branded tomatoes for the simple sauce! The San Marzano brand I love. It is usually in a yellow and red can. I have found it at Walmart. 
  • This recipe can be made with a lot of variations. Italian sausage or ground turkey can be subbed for the beef. 
  • Can add vegetables like, bell pepper, onion, etc.
  • May substitute 15 oz tomato sauce instead of homemade simple sauce.