Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake

Tex-Mex Zucchini Bake 🌶️🧀

A cheesy, spicy, and veggie-packed casserole that’s low-carb, gluten-free, and bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors! Perfect as a side dish or vegetarian main.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 45 mins

Serves: 6

Ingredients

For the Bake:

• 4 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds (about 5 cups)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced

• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional for heat)

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (e.g., Rotel)

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)

• ½ cup crushed tortilla chips (or pork rinds for keto)

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

• Lime wedges & sour cream, for serving

Instructions

1. Prep the zucchini:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

   • If your zucchini is very watery, sprinkle slices with salt, let sit 10 mins, then pat dry.

2. Sauté the veggies:

   • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Cook onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño until soft (5 mins).

   • Add garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt; stir 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Layer the bake:

   • In the baking dish, mix zucchini, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and sautéed veggies.

   • Top evenly with cheese and crushed tortilla chips.

4. Bake for 25–30 mins, until cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with lime wedges & sour cream!

Tips & Variations

• Meat lovers? Add cooked ground beef, chorizo, or shredded chicken.

• Extra creamy? Mix in 4 oz cream cheese with the veggies.

• Make ahead: Assemble (without baking) and refrigerate overnight.

• Keto-friendly: Skip corn, use pork rinds instead of chips.

This bake is loaded with flavor, easy to customize, and a great way to use summer zucchini! 🌞🔥

Want it spicier (add serrano peppers) or milder (skip jalapeños)? Let me know!