Easy Zucchini Casserole with Marinara

Freshly baked zucchini casserole with golden crust.

Easy Zucchini Casserole with Marinara

Zucchini casserole is an easy, comforting bake filled with layers of tender zucchini, marinara, and melted cheese. It’s hearty without being heavy and makes a great addition to any weeknight dinner rotation.

Course Main Course, Main Dishes, Side Dish, Sides

Cuisine American, International

Keyword bake, baking dish, breadcrumb, casserole, casserole dish, cheesy, parmesan cheese, reheat, side dish, squash, yellow squash, zucchini, zucchini casserole, zucchini casserole recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Servings Servings

Calories 612kcal

Author Zuzana Paar

Equipment

Ingredients

1 Cup Marinara Sauce no sugar added
3 Pieces Zucchinis medium, sliced into thin ribbons
1 Pound Ground Beef
½ Cup Parmesan shredded
1 Egg large
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1½ Cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
1 Cup Ricotta Cheese
1 teaspoon Olive oil for brushing
½ teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Pepper

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°Fahrenheit (190°Celsius) and gather all ingredients so they’re within reach, making prep fast and easy.
Slice zucchinis into thin ribbons, sprinkle with salt, and let rest for 10 minutes to draw out moisture; pat dry thoroughly.
Cook ground beef over medium heat until browned, drain excess grease, then add marinara and Italian seasoning; simmer briefly to blend flavors.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth to create a creamy layer for assembling.
Brush olive oil on the baking dish, layer zucchini, ricotta mix, meat sauce, and mozzarella, repeating until done; top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake 15 minutes more until golden and bubbly, then cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Salt the zucchini slices first: Sprinkle salt on the zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to release extra water. This step helps prevent a soggy casserole.
Use a good-quality marinara sauce: A flavorful sauce makes the casserole taste richer. Homemade or low-sugar store-bought marinara works best.
Layer ingredients evenly: Spread zucchini, sauce, and cheese in even layers for the best texture. This ensures every bite has the right balance of flavors.
Bake uncovered for the last few minutes: Removing the cover at the end helps the top become golden and slightly crispy. It adds a nice finishing touch to the dish.

Nutrition