Italian Escape Casserole

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 13
Savory Italian Escape Casserole for dinner tonight
in Casserole

Prep

15 min

Cook

40 min

Ready In

55 min

Level

Easy

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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Ingredients

2 cups zucchini , sliced lengthwise
1 cup lean ground beef
1/2 cup onion , chopped
1/4 cup celery , chopped
1 garlic clove , minced
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon parsley
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1 dash pepper
1 cup cooked rice , unsalted
2 small tomatoes , finely chopped
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 egg , beaten
1/2 cup low-sodium cheddar cheese , grated

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
6
Calories
290
Sugar
4g
Fat
14g
If you're looking for a quick and easy Italian-inspired meal, this casserole is perfect for you. Loaded with zucchini, lean ground beef, and tomatoes, it's a healthier alternative to traditional Italian dishes. The cottage cheese and cheddar cheese add some creaminess to the dish without adding too many calories, making it a great meal to share with family and friends. This dish can also be made in advance and reheated for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.In a large skillet, sauté the ground beef over medium heat until browned, then add onions, celery, garlic, basil, parsley, oregano, and pepper. Cook for around 5 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3.In a separate bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped tomatoes, cottage cheese, and beaten egg. Add the sautéed beef mixture and mix well.
4.Layer the sliced zucchini in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and pour beef mixture on top. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the mixture.
5.Bake in the preheated oven for around 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden.

PROS

This casserole is packed with protein and vegetables and is a great way to eat a healthy meal.
It’s also easy to make and can be customized with different vegetables and spices.

CONS

The zucchini can make the casserole a little watery, so it’s important to press out some of the moisture before baking.
It may also be less flavorful than some other Italian dishes due to its simplicity.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This casserole is a great source of protein, vitamins, and fiber. The zucchini is low in calories and high in antioxidants, while the beef adds iron and zinc to the dish. The cottage cheese also adds a good dose of calcium.

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