Tomato Zucchini Casserole

If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s also packed with veggies, Tomato Zucchini Casserole is exactly what you need! This casserole is the ultimate way to enjoy fresh, seasonal ingredients like juicy tomatoes and tender zucchini, all baked together in a savory, cheesy delight. Each bite is a perfect balance of the sweet, roasted tomatoes and the soft, seasoned zucchini, topped off with a gooey, melted cheese crust that’s sure to make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it as a light main dish, this casserole is bound to become your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love Tomato Zucchini Casserole

Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to this recipe:

Packed with Veggies: If you’re looking for a way to sneak in more vegetables, this casserole is a perfect choice. The tomatoes and zucchini blend together beautifully, creating a flavorful, healthy dish.

Flavorful & Savory: The combination of fresh garlic, herbs, and melted cheese brings this casserole to life. The sweet, tangy tomatoes complement the mild zucchini, while the cheese adds a rich, satisfying flavor.

Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy kitchen skills to pull this off! With a few simple ingredients, this dish comes together easily and bakes perfectly in just about an hour.

Versatile: Serve this casserole as a side with your favorite protein, or make it the star of a light, vegetarian dinner. It’s also fantastic for meal prep, as it reheats well!

Comforting & Cozy: The warm, cheesy topping makes this casserole the ultimate comfort food. It’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• Zucchini: Fresh, tender zucchini is the base of this dish. It cooks down beautifully, absorbing all the savory flavors.
• Roma Tomatoes: These tomatoes add the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. They hold their shape when baked, making them ideal for casseroles.
• Garlic: Aromatic garlic gives the casserole a savory depth, enhancing the natural flavors of the veggies.
• Onion: A mild, sweet onion provides an extra layer of flavor and sweetness to the casserole.
• Olive Oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and brings a touch of richness to the dish.
• Dried Oregano: A little dried oregano goes a long way, adding a warm, earthy flavor that complements the tomatoes and zucchini.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

For the Topping:

• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: This creamy cheese melts perfectly, creating a golden, bubbly crust that everyone loves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor that enhances the richness of the mozzarella topping.
• Bread Crumbs: A crispy, golden topping that adds crunch and texture to the casserole.
• Fresh Basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh basil after baking adds a burst of freshness and color.

(Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust on top.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
   Slice the zucchini and tomatoes into thin, even rounds. Mince the garlic and chop the onion.
3. Sauté the Veggies
   In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the sliced zucchini and tomatoes, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
4. Assemble the Casserole
   Transfer the sautéed vegetables into a lightly greased baking dish. Spread them evenly, creating a nice, even layer.
5. Prepare the Topping
   In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and bread crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the top of the vegetables.
6. Bake the Casserole
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the vegetables are tender.
7. Finish and Serve
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~210
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 380mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 11g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Tomato Zucchini Casserole

• With Grilled Chicken: This casserole pairs perfectly with grilled chicken breasts for a complete, balanced meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside a juicy steak or roast chicken for a comforting, veggie-packed side.
• On Its Own: For a light vegetarian meal, enjoy a generous helping of the casserole with a side salad for added freshness.
• With Quinoa or Rice: If you want to make it a heartier meal, serve with a side of quinoa or brown rice to soak up all the flavorful juices.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the veggies.
• Add More Cheese: For an extra cheesy casserole, feel free to add more mozzarella or even some goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Low-Carb Version: If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can leave out the breadcrumbs or replace them with ground almonds for a gluten-free option.
• Prep Ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! You can make it the day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use different vegetables in this casserole?
A1: Yes! You can swap the zucchini with eggplant, yellow squash, or even bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for firmer vegetables like eggplant.

Q2: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q4: Can I freeze this casserole?
A4: Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until fully warmed through.

Q5: Can I use frozen zucchini?
A5: Fresh zucchini works best for this recipe because it holds its texture better when baked. However, if using frozen zucchini, be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

Q6: Can I make this casserole without cheese?
A6: Yes, you can skip the cheese for a dairy-free version. You can substitute with a vegan cheese or simply skip it for a lighter dish.

Q7: Can I add meat to this casserole?
A7: Of course! You can add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken to make it a more filling dish. Just be sure to cook the meat before mixing it with the vegetables.

Q8: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?
A8: Yes! Fresh oregano or even basil would be a wonderful addition. Just chop up a tablespoon or two and add it to the casserole for extra flavor.

Q9: Is this casserole gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this casserole can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or skipping the breadcrumbs altogether.

Q10: How do I make the casserole extra crispy on top?
A10: For an extra crispy topping, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last 5-10 minutes of baking, or use the broiler to crisp up the cheese.

Conclusion

This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is everything you need in a comforting, veggie-packed dish. It’s simple, flavorful, and cheesy, with just the right balance of savory and sweet. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or making it the star of your meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So, grab your fresh veggies, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting!

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