Zucchini Pizza Casserole

In the realm of comfort foods, pizza undoubtedly holds a special place in our hearts. Its blend of crispy crust, savory sauce, and melty cheese invokes feelings of nostalgia and satisfaction. However, with the growing emphasis on healthy eating, many people find themselves seeking alternatives that allow them to indulge without compromising their dietary goals. Enter the Zucchini Pizza Casserole—an innovative dish that captures the beloved flavors of pizza while incorporating the nutritional benefits of zucchini.

Discover the delicious and healthier twist on your favorite comfort food with Zucchini Pizza Casserole. This innovative dish incorporates zucchini to deliver the beloved flavors of pizza while adding nutritional benefits. Perfect for meal preppers and family dinners, it's easy to customize with various toppings and ingredients to suit dietary preferences. Learn how to make this hearty casserole that satisfies cravings without the guilt, showcasing zucchini's versatility and taste in every bite.

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized or thinly sliced

1 pound ground Italian sausage (substitute with ground turkey for a lighter version)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Zucchini: If using spiralized zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently press to absorb excess moisture. If using sliced zucchini, arrange the slices on a paper towel, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Afterwards, pat them dry.

Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the pan.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables have softened and their moisture has evaporated.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the pizza sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Layer the Casserole: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the prepared zucchini evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the sausage and vegetable mixture over the zucchini. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining zucchini, sausage mixture, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve: Once the casserole is baked, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and savor the delightful flavors!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 1 hour total | Serves 6-8 people

Presentation Tips:

For an appealing presentation, serve slices on individual plates, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Use colorful plates to enhance the visual appeal of the dish!