Zucchini Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced (about 4-5 cups), preferably fresh and firm
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground turkey (optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (low-sugar options preferred)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk mozzarella recommended)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced black olives (optional)
• Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. If using meat, add the ground Italian sausage or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Stir in the sliced zucchini and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until they are just tender. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
5. Pour in the marinara sauce and mix until all the veggies and meat are well coated. Remove from heat.
6. In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the zucchini mixture evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Top with the remaining zucchini mixture and finish with the remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese.
7. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced olives and fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm.

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