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 (0.70 kg) zucchini, cut into rounds, salted + pat dry
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, diced
- 1/2 tsp each salt, garlic powder + onion powder
- 1 lb (0.50 kg) ground beef
- 1/2 tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder + paprika
- 1 cup (235 ml) marinara sauce
- 1½ cups (170 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 up to 3-4 days.
- If you don’t have ground beef, you can also use ground chicken, turkey, pork or lamb.
this was really good
whats the best way to reheat?
Hi Mary, I just reheat in a pan, covered on low heat
W-o-w! SOOOO good! Followed the recipe to a T. My family loved it & had seconds! Thank you!
Hi Brenda, that’s awesome! I’m so glad it was a hit with everyone!
Flavor was good, but even though I salted and patted the zucchini it was still a bit watery. I would make it again!
Hi Sally, yes, mine was watery a bit too. Its part of the beast of the zucchini.
I would do some breadcrumbs at the bottom of the baking dish to help soak up the water from the zucchini…
Thank you!
I had a huge 2 lb. Zucchini to use so I made this! My mozzarella was frozen and wouldn’t shred well so I used cottage cheese for the mix-in step and it wasn’t bad at all. Can’t wait to make this again! (With all the right ingredients 😅)
I’m glad you ended up liking it! Thanks for trying it out!
I am making this tonight, it looks so yummy! My daughter doesn’t like mushrooms, what can I substitute for them? Thanks!!!
Hi Sef, you can just leave them out! or add in bell peppers or eggplant!
Would give it 10 stars but you didn’t give that option.
So good, easy to put together and tastes amazing. Will be regular in our house.
Hi Sheree! thank you so much! I’m so glad it was a winner with everyone!
This is so delicious! I love all of your recipes!!
Thank you so much Lisa! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
This was a delicious and easy to prepare dinner. This will definitely be a regular rotation in our house. Love it!
After harvesting another basketful of summer squash, aka zucchini I made your recipe, WOW 😋 YUMMY 😋
Sadly it did last long 🤣 iy was so yummy 😋
OMG so yummy! This one will be a regular in our household! I just love your recipes, Stella! I find myself searching regularly for new faves!!
Delicious low carb recipe. it definitely is a keeper. Thank you for sharing.
I havent made this yet but I am wondering if you can make ahead and refrigerate for baking later on in the day.
thanks
This was outstanding! I subbed a jar of Trader Joe’s pizza sauce for the marinara & grated mozzarella by hand ( a heavy hand …!) I am going to share this with everyone I know who has a ton of zucchini in their gardens!
Thank you!!!!
We tried this recipe last night, and absolutely loved it! I didn’t change a thing and it was perfect! I will definitely be making it all summer as we have lots of zucchini in the garden! Thanks for sharing!
Does this freeze well?
Can this dish be assembled a day ahead, then removed from fridge, brought to room temp, then baked before serving?
HI Norma yes you can!