Cajun Style Zucchini Casserole with Minced Meat and Bacon
Dive into a hearty and flavor-packed dinner with this Cajun Style Zucchini Casserole with Minced Meat and Bacon. Bursting with savory goodness, this casserole features tender layers of zucchini, perfectly seasoned ground beef infused with bold Cajun spices, and crisp, smoky bacon. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and melted sharp cheddar cheese, it’s baked to perfection for an irresistibly rich and satisfying meal. With crushed tomatoes and fresh thyme adding depth, this dish strikes a perfect balance of spice, zest, and creamy textures. Ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, it’s a low-carb option that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serve it as a standalone dish or pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 medium Zucchini
- 500 grams Ground beef
- 6 slices Bacon strips
- 1 large Yellow onion
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 400 grams Crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 200 grams Sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 50 grams Breadcrumbs
- 100 milliliters Milk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Wash and slice the zucchinis into thin rounds, about 1/4-inch thick. Set them aside.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove, chop into small pieces, and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 7-8 minutes.
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and fresh thyme. Stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors. Remove from heat.
In a large casserole dish, layer half of the zucchini slices on the bottom. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt.
Spoon half of the meat mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle half of the chopped bacon on top.
Repeat with another layer of zucchini slices, meat mixture, and bacon.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and the remaining olive oil. Spread this evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese on top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
523 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.1 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.0 g | 80% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 102 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 913 mg | 40% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.2 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.0 g | ||
| Protein | 29.8 g | 60% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 316 mg | 24% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 829 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
