#3 Zucchini Squash Pizza

Besides being the week before fall break, I decided to officially declare this week... Drum roll... GREEN WEEK. Sounds scary, right? I even think so a little bit. BUT! I can assure you this recipe is nothing to be scared of!

It's zucchini squash pizza! I love this recipe for so many reasons - it can be easily altered to your liking, there's minimal ingredients, it's easy, it's cheesy, and there's veggies in it! This is a great family meal because it's made in a casserole dish, which means there will be (hopefully!) enough for everyone.

So! Hurry and get to a farmer's market before the summer is over. Buy some zucchini, squash, and a few other ingredients from the store, and you should be on your way to making this delicious pizza.

I will say, this casserole is filling! I put it serves six, although I definitely think it could serve eight if served with a side. Without further ado, I present to you:

Zucchini Squash Pizza 

Prep Time: 20 minutes. Cook time: 35 minutes. Total time: 55 minutes.

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

For crust:
2 cups grated zucchini
2 cups grated butternut squash
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground oregano (optional)
1 teaspoon basil (optional)
1 pound ground hamburger (optional)
Any other desires pizza toppings: pepperoni, sausage crumbles, olives, peppers, etc.

For sauce: (unless using a store-bought jar of pizza sauce)
*1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 1/2 tablespoons oregano eaves
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
salt and pepper, to taste


*Note: up to one additional 8 oz. can of tomato sauce may be added if you prefer your sauce less tomato-y, or if you prefer more sauce on your pizza.

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x13 glass dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Ground hamburger. Set aside.


3. Place tea towel or pad of paper towels in a large bowl, leaving extra towels or cloth draping over the edges. Grate zucchini and set in the towel(s). Sprinkle salt over the zucchini. Lightly stir and let sir for ten minutes. Meanwhile, grate squash and measure out two cups. Set aside.

4. Using the towel(s), ring out the zucchini to remove any excess water. (Reeeeeally squeeze here. Be prepared to use some elbow grease.) Drain the bowl of excess water. 

5. In that large bowl, combine the squash with the zucchini. Add eggs, one cup mozzarella cheese, one cup cheddar cheese, all parmesan cheese, black pepper, ground oregano and basil (if using). Stir to combine and spread evenly into the prepared baking dish. 

6. Bake for 25 minutes until edges are starting to look brown and crispy.

Meanwhile, to make the sauce:

7. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Set aside.

8. Remove crust from oven and top with pizza sauce, hamburger, remaining one cup mozzarella cheese, remaining one cup cheddar cheese, and any other desires toppings.

9. Return to oven and bake 8-12 more minutes. Remove, and let cool 5 minutes before cutting and serving.

Enjoy!


Click here to print recipe!

*Note: Nutrition facts may vary due to brand of products.

Recipe adapted from

http://www.laurenslatest.com/zucchini-pizza-casserole/