Zucchini Mozzarella Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this irresistible Zucchini Mozzarella Casserole, a hearty yet healthy dish that beautifully balances fresh vegetables and creamy cheese. Layered with tender zucchini slices, a rich marinara sauce infused with garlic and onion, and a generous blend of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan, this casserole is crowned with crispy, herb-infused breadcrumbs for an irresistible golden finish. Perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing side, this easy-to-make recipe takes just an hour to prepare and bake, delivering a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Garnished with fresh basil, this low-carb, vegetarian casserole bursts with Italian-inspired goodness in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized zucchini
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small, chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1.5 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh basil leaves
- as needed nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick planks. Sprinkle both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt to draw out moisture. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place a single layer of zucchini slices over the sauce.
Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the zucchini. Add another thin layer of marinara sauce.
Repeat layering until all zucchini, sauce, and cheeses are used, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with dried Italian herbs and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top layer of cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 102.0 g | 131% | |
| Saturated Fat | 42.0 g | 210% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 191 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 11997 mg | 522% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 164.1 g | 60% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.7 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.8 g | ||
| Protein | 95.6 g | 191% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 2230 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 8.7 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 1772 mg | 38% | |
*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.
