Whether for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or a cozy quiet weekend dinner with friends or family, our ground beef, zucchini, and rice casserole is always a good choice. The fresh zucchini gives the casserole a light touch, while the savory ground beef and baked feta crust add an undeniable richness. And it’s so easy to make that you’re sure to make it again and again!
Ground Beef Zucchini & Rice Casserole: Easy-Peasy Cooking
I’m not usually a big fan of rice. But ever since I tried this recipe for ground beef, zucchini and rice casserole, I haven’t be able to get my fill of it. But, no matter how much rice and how many different rice recipes I try, I find myself coming back to this recipe. There’s something about the combination that the ground beef, fried zucchini, and creamy tomato sauce with rice that feeds both me and my soul.
Fortunately, our ground beef, zucchini and rice casserole is not only delicious, but also quick to prepare. First, cook the rice according to package instructions. Next, fry the zucchini and ground beef. Then add the diced tomatoes, sour cream, and rice. Season with a few spices and pour the zucchini, ground beef, and rice mixture into a casserole dish. Now bake the casserole for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
This recipe can easily be adapted for a vegan or vegetarian diet. Simply use a plant-based meat alternative, such as ground pea protein. Substitute the sour cream with vegan cream, and look for a vegan feta alternative in most well-stocked supermarkets. No matter how you make it, we wish you happy and joyful cooking!
Casseroles are perfect, they’re so simple and can be mixed and matched to your heart and stomach’s desires. Check out our tortellini casserole with ground meat, Moroccan couscous casserole, and John Wayne casserole for some simply good dinner inspiration.
Zucchini Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 2 zucchini medium
- 1 large onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- some fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (conventional) or 350°F (convection). Cook the rice according to package directions. Wash the zucchini and slice it. Peel and finely dice the onion and garlic.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the zucchini slices until golden brown. Remove the zucchini from the pan and set aside.
- Using the same pan, brown the ground beef. Add the onions and garlic, and season with oregano, basil, and thyme. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes. Add the zucchini slices, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and rice. Mix everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the zucchini, ground beef, and rice mixture into a casserole dish and top with crumbled feta cheese. Bake for about 20 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with some fresh parsley.