Creating Zucchini Pizza Casserole is a simple process that can be broken down into these easy steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchinis. Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Cook Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Vegetables: Stir in the diced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix in Sauce: Add the marinara sauce to the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir to combine, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Allow to simmer for a few minutes.
6. Layer Zucchini: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread half of the zucchini slices in an even layer.
7. Add Meat Mixture: Spoon half of the meat and sauce mixture over the zucchini layer. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and add pepperoni slices if desired.
8. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, meat mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Cool and Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll create a delicious Zucchini Pizza Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite!