- Beef cubes: Perfect for adding flavor and texture to your dish.
- Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that provides both moisture and nutrients.
- Bell peppers: Enhance the color and add a touch of sweetness.
- Onion: Adds depth and richness to the casserole.
- Garlic cloves: Boosts the overall flavor profile with its aromatic notes.
- Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they provide acidity and umami.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- Pepper: Adds heat and enhances taste.
- Worcestershire sauce: A key ingredient that adds depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning: Perfect for adding a herby note with basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Milk: Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: For added richness and creamy texture.
- Bread crumbs: Used as a topping to add crunch and extra flavor.
- Cheese (optional): Cheddar or mozzarella can enhance the overall taste and melt deliciously on top.
Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Beef Zucchini Casserole
Creating a hearty and flavorful beef zucchini casserole is perfect for a cozy evening meal or a family gathering. This recipe combines tender beef with zucchini slices in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheese, creating the ultimate comfort food. Follow these detailed steps to make this dish stand out on your menu.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large zucchinis, sliced thinly
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
#### Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Zucchini:**
- Wash zucchinis thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds using a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness or a sharp knife.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the sliced zucchini in a small amount of olive oil until they begin to soften but still hold their shape. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Cook the Ground Beef:**
- While the zucchini is cooking, place ground beef into a separate large skillet or pan.
- Season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the meat is browned and crumbly. Drain any excess fat.
3. **Add Aromatics:**
- To the same pan with cooked zucchini, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent. This enhances the flavor profile of your casserole.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed beef, zucchini mixture, and add in the beef broth, sour cream, and thyme.
- Mix everything well to ensure a homogeneous blend of flavors. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
5. **Prepare the Casserole:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an oven-safe baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the beef zucchini mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom and up the sides.
6. **Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs:**
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top of the cheese for added texture and crunch.
7. **Bake Until Golden:**
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
- Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot as an appetizing side or main dish.
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By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious beef zucchini casserole that will impress both your family and guests. Enjoy your cooking!