Zucchini Pizza Casserole

In recent years, the demand for healthy alternatives to traditional comfort foods has surged. As more people become conscious of their dietary choices, recipes that satisfy cravings while being nutritious have gained immense popularity. One such dish that has captured the hearts of health-conscious food lovers is the Zucchini Pizza Casserole. This innovative recipe allows you to indulge in the flavors of pizza without the guilt, providing a satisfying and nutritious option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Discover a delicious twist on a classic favorite with the Zucchini Pizza Casserole! This healthy dish combines all the pizza flavors you love while being low in calories and packed with nutrients. Perfect for gluten-free or low-carb diets, it's made with zucchini instead of traditional crust and features savory meats, fresh veggies, and gooey cheese. Enjoy a nutritious meal that satisfies your pizza cravings without the guilt! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this wholesome casserole.

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Ingredients

4 medium zucchinis, spiralized or thinly sliced

1 pound ground Italian sausage (or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option)

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup sliced mushrooms

1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce (you can use store-bought or make your own)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for added 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: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking.

Prepare the Zucchini: If you are using spiralized zucchini, place it in a clean kitchen towel or a few paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. For sliced zucchini, lay the slices on a paper towel, sprinkle them lightly with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Afterwards, pat them dry with another paper towel.

Cook the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through—around 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened and any released moisture has evaporated.

Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the pizza sauce, oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Layering: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the prepared zucchini at the bottom. Next, add half of the sausage and vegetable mixture on top. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over this layer. Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini, sausage mixture, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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

Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing, which will help it set. Optionally, garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy this deliciously comforting dish!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour | Serves 6-8