The Best Sausage And Zucchini Casserole

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I came up with this recipe one summer when I had an abundance of zucchini from my garden. I wanted to create something hearty and flavorful that my family would love, and this casserole was the result. It’s been a staple in our house ever since.

Why Sausage and Zucchini Casserole?

This casserole is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up zucchini, and the combination of sausage and cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a one-dish meal, so cleanup is a breeze.

What is Sausage and Zucchini Casserole Made Of?

The casserole is made with Italian sausage, zucchini, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, rice or pasta, cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and satisfying meal.

What to Have with Sausage and Zucchini Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with:

• A side of garlic bread or crusty bread
• A simple green salad
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans

Is Sausage and Zucchini Casserole Healthy?

It can be! Using lean turkey sausage, brown rice or whole wheat pasta, and plenty of zucchini makes this dish a nutritious option. Zucchini is low in calories and high in vitamins, while the sausage adds protein. Just watch the portion size and cheese to keep it balanced.

Kitchen Equipment

• Large skillet
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked rice or pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Directions:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
• Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften.
• If using rice, cook it according to the package instructions until just undercooked. If using pasta, cook it until al dente.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, zucchini mixture, and rice or pasta. Mix well.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the zucchini mixture.
• If you prefer a creamier casserole, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or sour cream before baking.
• Double the recipe and freeze the extras for quick meals later.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of sausage?
Yes, ground chicken or turkey works well in this recipe.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta or rice, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Sausage and Zucchini Casserole is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—it might just become a new favorite in your home!

The Best Sausage And Zucchini Casserole Recipe

getcakerecipes

When my garden started overflowing with zucchini one summer, I knew I had to get creative. That’s when I came up with this Sausage and Zucchini Casserole. It’s a dish that’s become a family favorite simple, hearty, and packed with flavor. The combination of savory sausage, tender zucchini, and gooey cheese makes it a comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it just right, and now it’s a go-to dish for busy weeknights or when I’m feeding a crowd. If you’re looking for a way to use up zucchini or just want a delicious, easy casserole, this recipe is for you. Let me show you how to make it it’s a dish you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Casserole, Sausage, Zucchini

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into rounds or half-moons
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup uncooked rice or pasta (like penne or rotini)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

• Stir in the zucchini, diced tomatoes (with their juice), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften.

• If using rice, cook it according to the package instructions until just undercooked. If using pasta, cook it until al dente.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sausage, zucchini mixture, and rice or pasta. Mix well.

• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Keyword Sausage And Zucchini Casserole