Hearty Italian Zucchini Casserole with Sausage and Beef

Recipe Collection: Dinner

Hearty Italian Zucchini Casserole with Sausage and Beef transforms your dinner with a comforting blend of Italian sausage and ground beef enveloped in a rich tomato sauce. This non-vegetarian dish is perfect for those following a gluten-free diet, offering a satisfying meal that pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

The robust flavors of this Italian-American cuisine shine through, making it versatile for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. Easily select this recipe from the easyChef Pro App, where you can access personalized recommendations, AI-powered pantry tracking, and a smart shopping list for the best prices. Organize your ingredients and follow step-by-step guides to create a delicious meal today!

Overview

This Savory Italian Stuffed Zucchini Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage and ground beef with a hearty tomato sauce. Perfect for utilizing fresh zucchini from your garden, this casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Diet Type

Not Vegetarian

Allergies

Gluten, Eggs

Cuisine

Italian-American

Serving Size: 8

Cooking Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 4 Medium zucchini
• 1 Pound (lb) ground beef
• 1 Pound (lb) Italian sausage, tenderized
• 1 Small onion, minced
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 Cup dried bread crumbs
• 1 Large egg, whisked
• 28 Ounces (oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 10.75 Ounces (oz) can condensed tomato soup
• 1 Cup water
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) kosher salt
• 0.5 Teaspoon (tsp) black pepper
• 1 Teaspoon (tsp) Italian seasoning
• 1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons (tbsp) olive oil, divided

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a large spoon. Reserve about ¾ of the seeds and chop them finely.
3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat mixture, chopped zucchini seeds, bread crumbs, whisked egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
6. Stuff the zucchini halves with the meat mixture, mounding it slightly over the tops. Place the stuffed zucchini in the prepared baking dish.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato soup, and water. Pour this sauce evenly over the stuffed zucchini.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top, and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
10. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your savory Italian stuffed zucchini casserole with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh salad.

Enjoy your homemade Hearty Italian Zucchini Casserole with Sausage and Beef!