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Summer Garden Zucchini Casserole: A Taste of Comfort and Freshness

If you’re looking for a comforting yet healthy meal, this Summer Garden Zucchini Casserole is the perfect option. Packed with fresh garden vegetables, rich seasonings, and a delicious layer of melted cheese, this casserole offers the best of summer’s bounty in every bite. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or making it the main course, it's a dish that will impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 –6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium zucchini peeled and cut into cubes
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 sweet green peppers diced
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • 3 medium tomatoes diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
  • 100 grams 3.5 oz cheese, grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sweet green peppers. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring to release the flavors.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, paprika, and dried basil. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  5. In a large casserole dish, combine the sautéed vegetables with the zucchini cubes and season with salt to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
  6. Sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender and the cheese has melted and is golden.
  8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy!

Notes

  • You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
  • Feel free to substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
  • For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, turkey, or quinoa to the casserole.
  • Frozen zucchini can be used if fresh zucchini is unavailable, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding to the dish.
  • You can freeze the casserole for future meals. Just make sure it cools completely before freezing.