Three Cheese Casserole

Three Cheese Casserole Recipe with Zucchini and Ground Beef

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Three Cheese Casserole is a delicious and hearty dish that combines zucchini, ground beef, rice, and three types of cheese. This casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

History

The Three Cheese Casserole recipe has been a favorite in many households for years. It is a comforting and satisfying dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) zucchini, sliced
1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.25 tsp garlic powder
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 cups cooked rice
1 x 4 oz (113 g) can green chilis, chopped

How to prepare

Cook the zucchini in salted water for about 5 minutes. Drain.
In a skillet, combine the ground beef, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion. Cook over medium-high heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion is tender-crisp.
Add the rice, green chilis, and zucchini to the skillet.
In a separate bowl, blend the eggs, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir this mixture into the meat mixture.
Transfer the mixture into two greased shallow 2 qt (1.89 liter) casseroles.
Top each casserole with 1 cup of Cheddar cheese.
Bake one casserole at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes.
Wrap and freeze the other casserole for later use.

Variations

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
Use different types of cheese for a unique twist on the recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the zucchini until just tender to avoid it becoming mushy in the casserole.

- Be sure to drain the zucchini well after cooking to remove excess moisture.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the mix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Three Cheese Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.

- Mix the cheese and egg mixture well to ensure a creamy and cheesy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

- Use any type of cheese you prefer for the topping.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze the casserole for later use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Three Cheese Casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Three Cheese Casserole with a glass of red wine or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Three Cheese Casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Three Cheese Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Three Cheese Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Three Cheese Casserole contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Three Cheese Casserole is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and cottage cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Three Cheese Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Three Cheese Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a mix of zucchini, ground beef, rice, and three types of cheese, this casserole is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Three Cheese Casserole. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Emma in her cozy little kitchen. Emma was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and that day, she was preparing a special dish for dinner.

As I watched her move gracefully around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and mixing them together, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the tantalizing smells wafting from the oven. "What are you making, Emma?" I asked, my mouth watering in anticipation.

Emma smiled mischievously and winked at me. "Ah, my dear friend, this is a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. It's my Three Cheese Casserole, and I promise you, it's absolutely divine."

I watched as Emma added a generous amount of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese to the mixture, along with a dash of herbs and spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

"Would you mind sharing the recipe with me, Emma?" I asked eagerly, my eyes wide with excitement.

Emma chuckled softly and nodded. "Of course, my dear. I would be more than happy to teach you how to make this Three Cheese Casserole. It's a labor of love, but I promise you, it's worth every moment spent in the kitchen."

And so, Emma patiently guided me through the process of making the casserole, explaining each step in detail and sharing her tips and tricks along the way. I learned how to mix the cheeses just right, how to season the dish to perfection, and how to bake it until it was golden and bubbly.

After hours of cooking and anticipation, the casserole was finally ready. Emma and I sat down at the table, our mouths watering as we took our first bite of the creamy, cheesy goodness. It was everything Emma had promised and more - rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

As I savored each mouthful, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I made a mental note to pass it down to future generations, just as Emma had done for me.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe for Three Cheese Casserole, adding my own twists and modifications to suit my family's tastes. I shared it with friends and loved ones, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for seconds.

But the true joy came from teaching my own grandchildren how to make the casserole. I would gather them in the kitchen, just as Emma had done with me all those years ago, and guide them through the process with patience and love.

As we mixed the cheeses, seasoned the dish, and baked it to perfection, I could see the same excitement and anticipation in their eyes that I had felt when I first learned the recipe. And when we finally sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor, I knew that I had passed down not just a recipe, but a tradition that would live on for generations to come.

So whenever I make Three Cheese Casserole now, I do so with a heart full of memories - of Emma's cozy kitchen, of my grandchildren's eager faces, and of the joy that comes from sharing a delicious meal with the ones you love. And as I take that first bite of creamy, cheesy goodness, I am reminded once again of the power of tradition, and the enduring legacy of a family recipe.