Zucchini Pizza Casserole

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Servings

• Servings: 6

Difficulty

• Easy

Ingredients

For the Casserole

• 4 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups pizza sauce or marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pizza Toppings

• 20 slices pepperoni
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ¼ cup sliced red onion
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Mixing spoon
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

Wash and slice the zucchini into even rounds.

To reduce excess moisture, sprinkle the slices lightly with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes. Pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels.

This simple step helps prevent the casserole from becoming watery.

Step 3: Cook the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Add the ground sausage or beef and cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles until fully browned.

Drain any excess grease.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Stir the pizza sauce into the cooked meat.

Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors combine.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the zucchini slices evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Top with half of the meat sauce.

Sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella cheese.

Repeat with another layer of zucchini, remaining meat sauce, and remaining mozzarella.

Finish by sprinkling Parmesan cheese over the top.

Arrange pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, onions, and bell peppers evenly across the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

If you like extra browning, broil for 2–3 minutes while watching carefully.

Step 7: Rest

Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

This helps the casserole set and makes slicing easier.

Step 8: Garnish

Top with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Serve warm.

Tips for Success

• Salt the zucchini first to remove excess moisture.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
• Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Don’t overcook the zucchini before baking.
• Allow the casserole to rest before slicing.
• Add extra vegetables for additional nutrition.
• For a crispier top, broil briefly at the end.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version

Replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers.

Chicken Pizza Casserole

Use cooked shredded chicken instead of beef or sausage.

Supreme Pizza Style

Add cooked bacon, ham, peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives.

Spicy Version

Mix jalapeños into the topping and increase the crushed red pepper.

Extra Cheesy

Add provolone, cheddar, or Monterey Jack cheese between the layers.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes or warm larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

Freezing

Allow the casserole to cool completely.

Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or transfer portions into freezer-safe containers.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Fresh garden salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Steamed green beans
• Italian roasted vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Can I use yellow squash?

Absolutely. Yellow squash works just as well and provides a similar texture.

Why is my casserole watery?

Zucchini naturally contains a lot of water. Salting and drying the slices before assembling helps reduce excess liquid.

Can I use turkey sausage?

Yes. Turkey sausage or ground turkey is a lighter option that still provides plenty of flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes. When using a low-sugar pizza sauce, this casserole is suitable for many low-carb and keto meal plans.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving (Approximate)

• Calories: 365
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 78mg
• Sodium: 890mg
• Potassium: 760mg
• Calcium: 320mg
• Iron: 2.8mg