This ground beef zucchini bake is a delicious, simple to make dish. It is made with zucchini, ground beef, mushrooms, marinara and cheese for an all in one incredible dinner!
This cheesy ground beef, zucchini, and mushroom bake is precisely that culinary marvel. It transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a profoundly satisfying meal that feels incredibly indulgent, yet keeps your health goals in check.

Then comes the layer of gooey, melted cheese, creating that irresistible pull and flavor that instantly evokes the best parts of a pizza. This combination results in a harmonious blend of familiar comfort food sensations.

This baked dish is not only a flavor powerhouse, but it’s also remarkably filling. The generous protein from the beef, coupled with the fiber from the vegetables and the healthy fats from the cheese, ensures you feel completely satisfied without the need for heavy grains or starches.

You can switch this recipe up with ground chicken, turkey, lamb or pork. You can also make this dish vegetarian and leave out the ground meat!

If you like this recipe, you will also love this Chicken Zucchini Bake or this High Protein Italian Pasta Bake.

Thank you for stopping by Hungry Happens! If you decide to make this or any other dish from our site, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to comment and rate the recipe! LOVE YOUR LIFE!

Ground Beef Zucchini Bake (Low Carb)
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (0.68 kg) zucchini, cut into rounds, salted + pat dry
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz (226.8 g) mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 tsp each salt, garlic powder + onion powder
- 1 lb (0.45 kg) ground beef
- 1/2 tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder + paprika
- 1 cup (236.59 ml) marinara sauce
- 1½ cups (168 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp Italian herb blend
- 2 tbs grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes. Add in the mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and stir to coat. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Next, in the same skillet add in the ground meat and use a wooden spoon to break up the meat until no longer pink. Add in the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika and stir to coat. Taste and adjust if needed.
Assembly:
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add in the zucchini, sauteed vegetables, cooked ground beef, marinara sauce, 1 cup mozzarella, Italian herb blend, salt and pepper to taste, and mix until combined. Top with parmesan cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, remove from the oven and top with remaining mozzarella and bake until melted.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you don’t have ground beef, you can also use ground chicken, turkey, pork or lamb.
How much different is the recipe if I omit the mushrooms? My husband does not like them.
Will still be great Diane!
This was sooo good. Thank you for this excellent recipe! Would you know how well this would freeze if I have leftovers?
thanks Toni – I’m glad you liked the recipe! I havent frozen it myself so I cant say for sure
Tasted great!
Made this tonight for myself and the little ones and they loved it too. I substituted the Italian seasoning for Greek style and it worked just as good.
Hi Jackie, thats awesome! I’m glad everyone enjoyed the bake!
Absolutely Delicious! Made it tonight and it was simple to prepare with maximum flavor. Loved the how the veggies, meat, and souce compliment each and it is very filling. Looking forward to make it in different variations by swapping out the protein. Highly recommend! ❤️ Wish I could add a pic, but it came out gorgeously golden brown!
HI Jazzy, that’s awesome! I’m so glad you loved the recipe and thank you for your kind feedback on my site!
Your recipe and directions dont match. Cook time in beginning says 30 minutes recipe says 40
In two different places you say to add the spices
Hi Monique, Spices are added to (1) the ground meat and also to (2) the casserole dish to season.
The time is correct. 30 minutes prep time and 30 minutes bake time. Total Time: 1 hour
This was excellent!
Thanks for trying the recipe Vicki!
Oh my goodness I made this. Best !!!!!!!!!! I am telling you I am telling you this will be on repeat It is delicious oh my goodness thank you Stella
Hi Shannan, I love to hear that! Thank you for trying the recipe out and your kind feedback! Cheers!
Thank You for all your great recipes there all a hit.
Thank you so much Joanne!
How could I have doubted you on this one Stella. It was easy to make and so tasty. Even the husband who is not a fan of zucchini liked it! Will definitely be on rotation.
Thank you.
Hi Susha! I’m so happy you gave it a go!
Thank you for the kind feedback and I’m glad you and your hubby liked the recipe!
I just made this tonight adding onions and green yellow pepper, but as the your pic shows the zuchinni are on the top so I put mine on top [after salting and drying], adding parm then baked and after 20 mins added more mozzarella and put back in till melted and browned..turned out great 😊
Hi Melodee! Thanks for trying the recipe and I appreciate your feedback! I’m so glad you liked it!
Excellent meal. We’re not big on Mediterranean but we love Italian. This meal is more Italian leaning and delicious!
HI Scott, so glad you liked the bake! Thanks for the feedback!
Absolutely delicious, my husband really enjoyed as well
HI Beverley, I’m so glad you BOTH loved the dish! Thanks for the feedback!
While assembling the ingredients, it seems that there is a lot of zucchini slices. Is 1 1/2 pounds correct?
Thank you
Janet
it came out just like the picture. it was so delicious
Thanks for trying it Julie!
Delicious! My husband loved it and he’s not a big fan of zucchini.
Hi Annette, I’m so glad you both enjoyed the recipe! Yay we converted him!
DO NOT stir after adding the meat and cheese. Let those zucchini slices just cook under it all.