Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake

A cheesy, hearty casserole made with zucchini, seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, salsa, and melted cheese—perfect for an easy family dinner.

 Ingredients — Serves 6

• 4 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup salsa
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar
• 1 tsp taco seasoning
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish

 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Season the meat: Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Make it Tex-Mex: Stir in taco seasoning, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salsa, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
5. Prepare the zucchini: Arrange half of the sliced zucchini in the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Create the layers: Add half of the seasoned beef mixture, followed by dollops of cottage cheese and some shredded cheese. Repeat the layers.
7. Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the zucchini is tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes, garnish with cilantro or parsley, slice, and enjoy!

 Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

 Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: ~330 kcal
• Protein: ~27 g
• Carbohydrates: ~10 g
• Fat: ~21 g
• Fiber: ~2 g
• Sugar: ~5 g

These values are approximate and will vary with the beef, cheese, cottage cheese, and salsa brands used. USDA FoodData Central is a useful source for checking ingredient nutrition data.

 Q&A

Q: Can I use ground chicken or turkey?
A: Yes! Ground chicken or turkey works great and can make the recipe leaner.

Q: Can I make this low-carb?
A: Yes! Zucchini replaces pasta or tortillas, making this a naturally lower-carb meal.

Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat until hot.

Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, mushrooms, spinach, or diced tomatoes are delicious additions.