Layered Zucchini Ground Beef Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups zucchini thinly sliced
• 2 Tblsp. Olive oil
• 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
• 2 - 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 Tblsp. Fresh oregano finely chopped
• 1 Tblsp. Fresh basil finely chopped
• 1 Tblsp. Fresh thyme finely chopped
• 1/4 Tsp. Black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
• 14 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
• 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. 1. Put the zucchini in a bowl and toss with a small bit of salt and let stand for 20 minutes.
2. 2. Meanwhile heat a skillet and add the olive oil. Saute onion and garlic until tender (about 10 minutes).
3. 3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink. You may wish to drain the meat but not necessary.
4. 4. Add oregano, basil, pepper and a touch of salt and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in your cooked rice and tomato sauce.
6. 6. Combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese and the egg.
7. 7. Spray a 2-quart casserole dish with Pam or lightly grease it.
8. 8. Layer half of the zucchini at the bottom of the casserole dish.
9. 9. Layer the meat/rice mixture on top of the zucchini.
10. 10. Spread your ricotta mixture on top of the meat mixture.
11. 11. Layer the rest of the zucchini on your ricotta mixture.
12. 12. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.
13. 13. Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 25 minutes, or until bubbly.
14. 14. Let sit for 5 minutes … serve and enjoy!