Zucchini Pizza Casserole
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.
- 2
Place the sliced zucchini rounds on paper towels and lightly sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with additional paper towels. This prevents a watery casserole.
- 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Add the ground Italian sausage or beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- 5
Stir in the pizza sauce, Italian seasoning, oregano, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine. Remove from heat.
- 6
In the prepared baking dish, create a layer with half of the zucchini slices, slightly overlapping them.
- 7
Spread half of the meat sauce over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- 8
Add half of the pepperoni slices, mushrooms, and bell peppers over the cheese layer.
- 9
Repeat the layers: remaining zucchini, remaining meat sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, remaining pepperoni and vegetables.
- 10
Top the casserole with the final cup of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- 11
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- 12
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- 13
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes slicing easier.
- 14
Garnish with fresh chopped basil before serving.
Chef's Note
"The key to a perfect zucchini pizza casserole is removing moisture from the zucchini before layering. The 10-minute salt-and-rest technique prevents a soggy casserole and ensures every bite has that satisfying pizza texture. Feel free to customize with your favorite pizza toppings like olives, jalapeños, or extra veggies!"
