Okay, so you know those nights when dinner just needs to be EASY but still feel like a warm hug? That’s exactly why this Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is my absolute favorite. Seriously, it’s like comfort food in a dish without all the fuss. I remember one crazy week where I felt like I was running on fumes, and I whipped this up in practically no time. It smelled amazing, tasted even better, and my whole family devoured it. It’s become our go-to for those busy weeknights when you just want something satisfying and delicious that doesn’t require a culinary degree!
Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Seriously, this Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is a winner for so many reasons. It’s the kind of dish that just makes everyone happy, and honestly, it makes *you* happy because it’s so darn easy!
- Super Simple to Make: We’re talking minimal prep and mostly hands-off baking time. Perfect for when you’re tired but still want a home-cooked meal.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: The combination of creamy soups, savory meat, tender zucchini, and that perfectly seasoned stuffing topping is just pure cozy goodness. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form!
- Family Approved: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this up. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just tastes delicious. My kids always ask for seconds!
- Versatile: You can easily tweak it with different ground meats or add in extra veggies. It’s forgiving and always turns out great.
Gathering Your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our game plan together for this amazing Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix. You don’t need anything fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together like magic. First up, grab about a pound of lean ground beef. If you’re feeling like switching it up, ground turkey or chicken works too – more on that later! You’ll also need one medium yellow onion, and I like to chop mine pretty finely so it blends in nicely. Then, for that creamy, dreamy base, you’ll need two cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup and two cans of condensed cream of celery soup. Make sure they’re undiluted, as that’s where a lot of the flavor and texture comes from! Now for the star of the show, besides the zucchini, of course – one 6-ounce package of herb-seasoned bread stuffing mix. This is what gives it that fantastic crunchy, savory topping. And of course, we need our zucchini! You’ll want about 3 cups of thinly sliced zucchini, which usually means about 2 medium-sized ones. Finally, for that gooey, golden finish, grab 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. That’s it! Simple, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
A few little things to keep in mind about these ingredients for your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix. Using the condensed soups undiluted is key because they act as the binder and add so much creaminess and flavor without needing extra steps. If you can’t find both mushroom and celery, you can totally use all of one or the other, or even cream of chicken soup if that’s what you have. As I mentioned, ground beef is my go-to, but lean ground turkey or chicken works just as well and is a great lighter option. For the stuffing mix, herb-seasoned is classic, but a cornbread stuffing mix would also be delicious and add a slightly different flavor profile. And if zucchini isn’t your favorite, or you want to bulk it up, a cup of frozen peas or some diced carrots would be lovely additions, just toss them in with the zucchini!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Okay, let’s get this delicious Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix into the oven! It’s really straightforward, so don’t stress. First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (that’s 190 Celsius). Getting the oven nice and hot beforehand makes a huge difference in how everything bakes up evenly.
Preparing the Base for Your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Now, grab a nice big skillet – a deep one is best. Pop your ground beef and chopped onion in there and start browning them over medium-high heat. You want to cook it until the beef is all nicely browned and the onion is tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s all cooked, you absolutely *must* drain off any excess grease. Trust me, this step is important for the texture and taste! Just tilt the pan carefully or use a slotted spoon. After draining, stir in both cans of the condensed cream of mushroom soup and the cream of celery soup. Give it a good mix until everything is combined and looks nice and creamy.
Assembling and Baking Your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Next up, it’s time to add the stars of the show! Gently stir in the entire package of herb-seasoned stuffing mix and your sliced zucchini. Mix it all together really well, making sure the zucchini and stuffing get coated in that yummy soup mixture. Now, take your 9×13 inch baking dish – buttering it lightly beforehand can help with cleanup, though it usually slides right out. Pour that glorious mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Pop that dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for it to be bubbly around the edges and for that cheese on top to be melted and maybe even a little golden brown. It smells amazing when it’s baking, doesn’t it?
Tips for Perfect Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Want to make sure your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is absolutely perfect every time? A few little tricks can really make a difference! First off, try to slice your zucchini pretty evenly – maybe about 1/4 inch thick. This helps it cook at the same rate so you don’t end up with mushy bits and firm bits. When you’re mixing everything together after adding the stuffing and zucchini, be gentle! You don’t want to overmix, which can make the stuffing a bit gummy. Just mix until everything is combined. And for that golden cheese topping, if your casserole is bubbly but the cheese isn’t quite melted or browned enough for your liking, you can always pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the very end. Just watch it super closely so it doesn’t burn!
Serving and Storing Your Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
This Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is perfect straight from the oven, nice and bubbly. I love serving it with a simple green salad on the side – it’s a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, though! If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just let it cool down completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. To reheat, I usually pop a portion back in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and that topping is nice and crisp again. You can also microwave it, but the oven really does bring back that lovely texture best.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Got questions about this yummy Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! It’s super easy to make this a vegetarian delight. Just skip the ground beef and maybe add a little extra zucchini or some sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers in its place. You’ll still get all that amazing flavor from the soups and stuffing mix!
Q: What other vegetables can I add to this zucchini casserole?
A: Oh, the possibilities are endless! Besides the delicious zucchini, you could toss in a cup of frozen peas, some diced carrots, or even some chopped broccoli. Just make sure they’re either thawed or cut small enough to cook through in the baking time. It’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have on hand!
Q: How do I prevent the zucchini from getting watery in the casserole?
A: That’s a great question! Zucchini can release a lot of water. My best tip is to slice your zucchini and then lightly sprinkle it with a little salt and let it sit in a colander for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the casserole mix. This draws out some of that excess moisture and helps keep your casserole from being too soupy. For more tips on cooking vegetables, you can check out Food Network’s guide to cooking vegetables.
Q: Can I use a different type of stuffing mix?
A: Yes, you can! While the herb-seasoned stuffing mix is fantastic, feel free to experiment. A cornbread stuffing mix would add a lovely, slightly sweet and savory note, or even a savory herb stuffing would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a 6-ounce package so the seasoning level is just right.
Nutritional Estimate for Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix is an estimate, because, you know, we all use slightly different brands or maybe add a little extra cheese! But generally, one serving comes in around 450 calories. You’re looking at about 25g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Remember, these numbers can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients and brands you choose. For more detailed nutritional information, you can consult resources like the MyFitnessPal database.
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Amazing Zucchini Casserole with Stuffing Mix
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and comforting zucchini casserole made with stuffing mix, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
- 1 (6 ounce) package herb-seasoned stuffing mix
- 3 cups sliced zucchini
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of celery soup.
- Add the stuffing mix and zucchini to the skillet. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Serve hot with a side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: zucchini casserole, stuffing mix, ground beef, easy casserole, family meal