Best Zucchini Lasagna Recipe – Healthy & Low-Carb Comfort Food

If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional lasagna, this Zucchini Lasagna Recipe is perfect for you. It’s a low-carb, gluten-free version that replaces pasta noodles with fresh zucchini slices while keeping all the classic flavors intact. Packed with rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground meat, and creamy ricotta cheese, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a lighter dinner option, this zucchini lasagna is a must-try!

Nutrition & Instructions

Nutrition per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 620mg

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Active Time: 30 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Course
• Servings: 6

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Knife and cutting board
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

For the Zucchini “Noodles”:

• 3 large zucchini, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon salt (to remove excess moisture)

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Assembly:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Slices

1. Slice the zucchini into thin strips using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
2. Lay the slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. Pat dry with another paper towel to remove excess water.

Step 2: Cook the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
5. Drain excess fat if necessary.
6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
7. Add oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
8. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and Italian seasoning.
2. Stir until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Lay zucchini slices over the sauce in a single layer.
4. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini.
5. Sprinkle with a layer of mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers: meat sauce, zucchini, ricotta, mozzarella.
7. Finish with a final layer of zucchini, the remaining meat sauce, and a generous layer of mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
3. Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing to prevent excess liquid.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
2. Serve warm and enjoy a hearty, delicious, and low-carb lasagna!

Tips for the Best Zucchini Lasagna

• Prevent excess water: Pre-salting the zucchini slices and patting them dry is crucial to avoid a watery lasagna.
• Use a thicker meat sauce: Simmering the sauce for longer can help reduce moisture and create a thicker consistency.
• Let it rest before slicing: Allowing the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes helps it set and prevents it from falling apart when serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Swap ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or lentils.
• Cheese Lovers: Add a layer of ricotta between each zucchini layer for extra creaminess.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for more heat.

Conclusion

This Zucchini Lasagna Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a comfort food classic while staying healthy. It’s packed with flavors, nutrients, and the perfect balance of creamy and savory goodness. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!