Let me tell you, my friends, there’s something magical about a zucchini tomato casserole! It’s one of those dishes that’s just so easy to whip up, yet it tastes like a warm hug from the oven. I remember the first time I made this for a family dinner; everyone couldn’t believe how delicious it was—especially with fresh, garden-picked zucchinis and tomatoes. This casserole not only showcases those vibrant veggies but also comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, so you can feel good about indulging. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main dish or a delightful side, this zucchini tomato casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients for Zucchini Tomato Casserole
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious zucchini tomato casserole! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar by the end. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot for the bubbling goodness that’s about to happen!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins! Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- While that’s happening, grab your baking dish and start layering. Begin with 3 sliced zucchinis at the bottom. Make sure to spread them out evenly for that perfect bake.
- Next, add 4 chopped tomatoes on top of the zucchinis. You want those juicy tomatoes to mingle with the zucchini to create a flavor explosion!
- Now, pour your sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the layered veggies. Be generous—this will add so much flavor!
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste, over everything. Give it a little jiggle to mix things up.
- Finally, top it all off with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Because let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!
- Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that golden, delicious crust on top!
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. You’re going to love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready to bake in no time!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh zucchinis and tomatoes, this casserole is not only tasty but also nutritious and vegetarian-friendly.
- Versatile: Serve it as a hearty main dish or a delightful side; it’s perfect for any meal!
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sautéed onion, garlic, and gooey mozzarella cheese creates an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
Tips for Success with Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Alright, let’s make this zucchini tomato casserole even more fabulous! First, don’t hesitate to play around with the veggies. If you have bell peppers or mushrooms lying around, toss them in for extra flavor and texture. You can also switch up the cheese—feta or Parmesan can add a delightful twist!
For a little extra crunch, consider topping your casserole with some breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of olive oil before baking. It gives a lovely golden crust that’s hard to resist! And if you want to make this dish ahead of time, go for it! Just assemble everything, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes in the oven, but it’s a huge time-saver!
Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps everything settle and makes serving a breeze!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this zucchini tomato casserole! Each serving is a delightful blend of flavors and health benefits. Here’s what you can expect:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 10g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like the type of cheese or the addition of any extra veggies. But no matter how you tweak it, you can feel good about serving this casserole to your loved ones!
FAQ About Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the zucchini tomato casserole in advance by assembling it, covering it tightly, and storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a great time-saver for busy days!
What can I serve with zucchini tomato casserole?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. You could also enjoy it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. The flavors are so versatile that it can complement lots of different proteins!
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
For sure! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, eggplant, or even spinach can make fantastic additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly if you use denser vegetables.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I freeze zucchini tomato casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking it again for a quick meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your zucchini tomato casserole fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If you’re using the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that cheese all melty again. Trust me, it’s just as tasty the next day!
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Zucchini Tomato Casserole: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy zucchini tomato casserole that is easy to make.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Layer zucchini and tomatoes in a baking dish.
- Pour sautéed onion and garlic over the vegetables.
- Sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
- Serve warm as a side dish or main course.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: zucchini tomato casserole
