Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the fresh flavors of tomatoes and zucchini with aromatic herbs and cheese. This casserole is a perfect side dish or even a light main course for a vegetarian meal. It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Follow this recipe to create a flavorful and comforting Tomato Zucchini Casserole that everyone will love.
Ingredients for Tomato Zucchini Casserole:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-5 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 4-5 tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How to Make Tomato Zucchini Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Zucchini: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook until slightly tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir to combine.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the zucchini mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the sliced tomatoes. Repeat the layers with the remaining zucchini mixture and tomatoes.
- Top with Breadcrumbs and Cheese: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Zucchini: Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that is low in calories and rich in fiber. It adds a mild flavor and a nice texture to the casserole.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and they add a bright and juicy element to the casserole.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a rich and savory flavor to the casserole. It also helps to create a crispy topping when combined with breadcrumbs.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey and creamy texture to the casserole.
- Herbs: Dried oregano and basil add a wonderful herbaceous flavor to the casserole, complementing the fresh flavors of the vegetables.
This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a delicious and wholesome dish that is perfect for any occasion. Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as a light main course with a side salad. Either way, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
