Ground Beef Zucchini Bake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. In an oven-safe baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Layer zucchini slices on top.
5. Spread a layer of the cooked ground beef mixture over the zucchini. Add dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the beef.
6. Add another layer of zucchini slices, then spoon a portion of marinara sauce over them.
7. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the zucchini is tender.
10. Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
• To prevent a watery bake, salt zucchini slices and let them drain on paper towels before layering.
• Substitute ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate calories: 350, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 25g

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