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Cozy Zucchini Dinner Roll Casserole with Ground Beef and Mozzarella

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A comforting and easy casserole featuring layers of tender zucchini, savory ground beef, melty mozzarella, and soft dinner rolls baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups sliced, thin rounds)
  • 8–10 soft dinner rolls, split in half horizontally
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice two medium zucchinis into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Set aside in a bowl.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Pour in 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce and stir to combine. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Add a splash of water if mixture is too thick.
  6. Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread the sliced zucchini evenly across the bottom.
  7. Spoon the seasoned ground beef and tomato sauce mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
  8. Sprinkle 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef layer.
  9. Place the split dinner rolls cut side down on top of the cheese layer.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until rolls are golden brown and cheese is bubbly. Watch the top during the last 5 minutes to prevent burning.
  11. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set and allow flavors to meld.

Notes

Pat zucchini slices dry to prevent sogginess. Use fresh mozzarella for best melting but pat dry if too moist. Adjust baking time if using different bread toppings. Season beef well and taste sauce before layering. Leftovers reheat well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini casserole, ground beef casserole, dinner roll casserole, mozzarella casserole, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, baked casserole

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-zucchini-dinner-roll-casserole-recipe-with-ground-beef-and-mozzarella-easy-guide/