Protein-Packed Triple Meat Zucchini Casserole

This Protein-Packed Triple Meat Zucchini Casserole is a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Combining ground beef, sausage, and bacon with fresh zucchini and a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is both satisfying and nutritious. It's an easy-to-make recipe that’s great for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The layers of meat and vegetables come together beautifully, creating a comforting dish everyone will love. Enjoy this filling, protein-rich casserole as a family dinner or for easy leftovers throughout the week.

Prep Time20

Cook Time40

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Low-Carb Zucchini Pizza Casserole, Triple Meat Protein Packed Zucchini Casserole, Zucchini Casserole, Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Servings: servings

Calories: 415kcal

Author: George - U Keep Cooking

Equipment

9 x 13 baking dish

Ingredients

Zucchini Crust Ingredients:

4 Zucchini (shredded, drained, and squeezed)
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
2 Eggs

Meat Layer:

1 Tbsp Olive Oil
1 Yellow Onion (chopped)
1 Bell Pepper (chopped)
1 lb. Sweet Italian Sausage
6 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 Tsp Italian Seasoning
½ teaspoon Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Black Pepper
2 Cups Marinara Sauce

Pizza Casserole Toppings:

2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
½ Cup Bacon (fried crispy and crumbled)
Pepperoni Slices (slices)(to cover the top)

Instructions

Zucchini Crust:

Prep the Zucchini: Shred 4 zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent a soggy crust.
Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 2 beaten eggs. Mix until well combined.
Bake the Zucchini Crust: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Press the zucchini mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, forming an even layer. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and firm. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Meat Layer:

Cook the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
Cook the Sausage: Add 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage to the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Season with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
Add the Marinara: Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, mixing well to combine with the meat and vegetables. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Assemble the Casserole:

Layer the Meat: Pour the meat and marinara mixture over the baked zucchini crust, spreading it out evenly.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meat layer. Then, sprinkle ½ cup of crispy, crumbled bacon. Finally, arrange pepperoni slices over the cheese to cover the top completely.

Bake the Casserole:

Final Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (190°C). Bake the assembled casserole for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the pepperoni is slightly crispy.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Triple Meat Zucchini Casserole!

Nutrition