Description
Beef and Zucchini Gratin brings layers of hearty comfort right to your dinner table with melted cheese and tender beef nestled between zucchini slices. Weeknight dinners get an instant upgrade when this simple yet satisfying casserole emerges from your oven, ready to make your family smile.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced
- 200 grams cheese, grated
Aromatic Ingredients:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 100 grams breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients: chop 1 medium onion, mince 2 garlic cloves, slice 2 medium zucchini, and grate 200 grams of cheese.
- Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add 500 grams ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking meat into small crumbles until completely browned.
- Push beef to one side of skillet and add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté zucchini slices for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon mixed herbs and season beef and zucchini with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Spread half the zucchini slices across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer.
- Distribute half the beef mixture over the zucchini, then sprinkle 100 grams grated cheese on top.
- Repeat layering with remaining zucchini, beef, and finish with another 100 grams cheese.
- Distribute 100 grams breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the gratin.
- Slide the dish into a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and top turns golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
- Slice zucchini thinly and evenly to ensure consistent cooking and a beautiful layered appearance in your gratin.
- Use a good quality melting cheese like Gruyère or sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or basil between layers to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-34 minutes
- Category: Beef
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 375 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg