Description
This zucchini lasagna offers a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta lasagna. Layers of thinly sliced zucchini replace noodles, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add ground turkey (or beef) to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, water, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.
- While sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix well.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini.
- Top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: meat sauce, zucchini, remaining ricotta, and remaining mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Pat zucchini slices dry with paper towels before layering to prevent excess moisture.
- You can grill or lightly sauté zucchini slices before assembling for a firmer texture.
- Customize with your favorite vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg