1tbspScallionssliced, optional. (about stalk) or (10 grams)
Instructions
Heat a large saute pan to medium heat. Once the pan is hot add the oil to the pan with the sliced zucchini. Season the zucchin with the salt and pepper and cook the zucchini for 5-7 miutes until they begin to soften and turn lightly browned. Flipping every few minutes. (If your pan is not large enough you may need to work in batches. Cooking half the zucchini at a time.)
Once the zucchini is cooked remove it from the pan and place them in a large bowl.
Pre-heat oven to 350'°
While the oven is heating cook your ground beef. In the same large pan you cooked the zucchini in, add the grond beef, shallots, and garlic. Using a heavy spatular break up the ground beef, mixing in with the shallots and garlic. Season with the italian seasoning. Cook stirring for 7-10 minutes, until the beef is mostly cooked.
Once the beef is almost cooked thru, add the ground beef into the large bowl with the sliced zucchini. Then add the: tomatoes, ricotta, cheddar, chickpea rice, and red pepper flake. Stir everything together until well combined. (If you do not have chickpea rice you can use: orzo or any kind of rice.)
Prepare a baking dish by either lining it with pachment paper, tin foil, or non stick spray. Then scoop the cheesy, beef, and zucchini mixture into the casserole dish.
Cook at 350'° for 30 minutes.
Once done remove from the oven and garnish with the optional scallions. Slice into six servings and Enjoy!
Trick if you plan to make this casserole days ahead of time, or plan to freeze.
Lining the casserole dish with tin foil or parchment paper, with a little overhang, will allow you to remove the recipe from you casserole dish. You will want to wait for the casserole to cool completely and allow the casserole to firm up. Then using the overhang you can pull the recipe out of your dish. This will allow you to continue using your casserole dish if you are making this recipe days ahead of time, or even plan on storing in the freezer. Wrap the casserole in tin foil and store in the fridge or freezer.
Macro Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Zucchini & Ground Beef Orzo Casserole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 307Calories from Fat 136
% Daily Value*
Fat 15.1g23%
Saturated Fat 6.7g42%
Trans Fat 0g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 69.3mg23%
Sodium 181.5mg8%
Potassium 340mg10%
Carbohydrates 18g6%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5.2g6%
Protein 24.7g49%
Vitamin A 17IU0%
Vitamin C 17mg21%
Calcium 29.4mg3%
Iron 16.7mg93%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.