Tomato Zucchini Casserole: A Flavorful and Healthy Delight

This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a vibrant and delicious dish that’s perfect for using up summer’s bounty of fresh tomatoes and zucchini. It’s a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re a vegetarian, looking for a light and flavorful side dish, or simply want a comforting and wholesome meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The combination of ripe tomatoes, tender zucchini, aromatic garlic, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that’s both savory and satisfying.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** This casserole is packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber from the vegetables, making it a healthy and nutritious meal option.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs.
* **Great for Using Up Summer Produce:** This casserole is a fantastic way to use up the abundance of tomatoes and zucchini that are available during the summer months.
* **Vegetarian-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tomatoes:** Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes work well.
* **Zucchini:** Choose firm, unblemished zucchini. Yellow squash can also be used.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor to the casserole. Yellow or white onion will work.
* **Garlic:** Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the casserole to taste.
* **Mozzarella Cheese:** Adds a creamy and melty topping. You can use shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Adds a salty and nutty flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese is recommended.
* **Fresh Basil (optional):** Adds a fresh and aromatic garnish.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delicious Tomato Zucchini Casserole:

**1. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* Wash and dry the tomatoes and zucchini.
* Slice the tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
* Slice the zucchini into approximately 1/4-inch thick rounds.
* Peel and chop the onion. Dice it into small pieces.
* Mince the garlic.

**2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

**3. Layer the Casserole:**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Begin layering the tomato and zucchini slices in the baking dish, overlapping them slightly.
* Sprinkle some of the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the tomato and zucchini layers.
* Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* Repeat the layers of tomato, zucchini, onion-garlic mixture, and seasonings until all the ingredients are used. You should aim for 2-3 layers.

**4. Add the Cheese:**

* Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of the casserole.
* Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella cheese.

**5. Bake the Casserole:**

* Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
* Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the vegetables are tender.

**6. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with fresh basil leaves (optional).
* Serve warm as a side dish or a light meal.

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as bell peppers, eggplant, or mushrooms. Slice them into similar sizes as the tomatoes and zucchini.
* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or ricotta. You can also use a combination of cheeses.
* **Add Herbs and Spices:** Add other herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the casserole, such as oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, or garlic powder.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this casserole vegan, omit the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese or use vegan cheese substitutes. You can also add a layer of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
* **Add Breadcrumbs:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before baking. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.
* **Add Meat:** To make this casserole a heartier meal, add cooked ground beef, sausage, or chicken. Brown the meat before adding it to the casserole.
* **Use a Mandoline:** A mandoline slicer can help you slice the tomatoes and zucchini evenly and quickly.
* **Pre-Cook the Vegetables:** If you want to shorten the baking time, you can pre-cook the vegetables by sautéing them in a skillet before layering them in the casserole dish.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese just before baking.

## Serving Suggestions

This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
* **Light Meal:** Enjoy it as a light meal on its own, paired with a salad or some crusty bread.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring it to a potluck or gathering – it’s always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Breakfast or Brunch:** Serve it as part of a breakfast or brunch spread.
* **With Pasta:** Serve over pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 200-250
* Protein: 10-15g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Recipe Card

**Tomato Zucchini Casserole**

A flavorful and healthy casserole featuring fresh tomatoes, zucchini, and cheese.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 35-40 minutes
**Total Time:** 55-60 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 4 medium tomatoes, sliced
* 2 medium zucchini, sliced
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Layer tomato and zucchini slices in the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with onion-garlic mixture, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Repeat layers until ingredients are used.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for 15-20 minutes more, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and vegetables are tender.
6. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

**Enjoy your delicious and healthy Tomato Zucchini Casserole!**

This casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to celebrate the simple joys of fresh, seasonal ingredients. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with family, friends, or bringing it to a potluck. The vibrant colors and delicious aromas fill the kitchen with warmth and create lasting memories.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. Add your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to create a unique and personalized dish that reflects your taste preferences. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and nourishing.

This Tomato Zucchini Casserole is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. It’s a simple, satisfying, and flavorful meal that you can feel good about serving to your loved ones.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and nourish your body. Happy cooking!