Ingredients
Method
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9x13-inch glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Heat the olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced zucchini and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, blanch the zucchini in boiling salted water for 3 to 5 minutes and drain well.
- In a separate large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat, then add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the melted butter with the stuffing mix until evenly moistened. Spread half of the stuffing mixture (about one box's worth) evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together both cans of undiluted condensed soups, the sour cream, and the shredded carrots until well combined.
- Fold the drained cooked zucchini into the soup mixture.
- Add the cooked ground beef and onions to the bowl and stir everything together. Spoon the filling over the stuffing layer in the dish, taking care not to disturb the stuffing underneath.
- Sprinkle the shredded Italian cheese blend evenly over the meat and zucchini mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining buttered stuffing mix evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the stuffing is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout.
Nutrition
Notes
Swap half the zucchini with yellow squash for a colorful twist and slightly different texture.
For a crispier topping, tent the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove foil for the final 10.
Salt the zucchini slices and pat them dry before cooking to prevent a watery casserole.
This recipe can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead; refrigerate and add about 10 minutes to the bake time.
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven to restore the crunchy topping.
Make it gluten free by using a gluten-free stuffing mix and gluten-free condensed cream soups.
