Description
This zucchini lasagna is a delicious low-carb and gluten-free alternative to traditional lasagna. Layers of zucchini, a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese make for a satisfying and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Zucchini:
- 4 medium zucchinis (sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips)
Meat Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Zucchini: Lay zucchini slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. Optionally, roast or grill zucchini for 5–10 minutes to reduce excess moisture.
- Make Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with egg until smooth.
- Assemble Lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then a layer of zucchini, followed by spoonfuls of ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with sauce and remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- To avoid watery lasagna, don’t skip salting and drying the zucchini.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked later.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
