Zucchini Beef Bake

Name: Zucchini Beef Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings.
Ingredients: 6 cups water; 4 cups sliced zucchini; 1 pound ground beef; 1 large onion, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon minced fresh basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Zucchini is a favorite vegetable for cooks because it can be used in countless ways. Here it teams up with ground beef, rice and cheese for a pretty, palate-pleasing meal.— Christy Saniga, Tacoma, Washington

Ingredients

6 cups water
4 cups sliced zucchini
1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups cooked rice
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh oregano or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon minced fresh basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add zucchini. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 3 minutes or just until tender. Drain and immediately place zucchini in ice water. Drain and pat dry.
In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain. Stir in the rice, tomato sauce, cottage cheese, egg, oregano, basil and salt.
Arrange half of the zucchini in a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with meat mixture and remaining zucchini; sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts

1 piece: 274 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 85mg cholesterol, 500mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.

Originally published as Zucchini Beef Bake in Casserole Cookbook

Reviews

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Average Rating:

yardley12

Aug 21, 2014

Excellent recipe. I substituted turkey meat, plus added mushrooms and spinach. It was delicious
Rogbaker

Dec 18, 2011

I have made this a number of times, it's quite good. Make sure you hardly boil the zucchini or they will be soggy.