If you’re looking to enjoy a classic Italian dish with a healthy twist, this Zucchini Lasagna is the perfect recipe. By substituting traditional lasagna noodles with thin slices of zucchini, you get a lower-carb, veggie-packed meal that’s just as delicious and satisfying. This dish combines layers of flavorful meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender zucchini for a lasagna experience that’s both hearty and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 2 large zucchinis or 4 medium, sliced thinly lengthwise
- 24 oz pasta sauce
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 10 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips.
- Lay the slices on paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt to help draw out moisture. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, then pat dry with additional paper towels.
- Cook the Meat Sauce:
- In a wide skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s thoroughly browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the pasta sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it gently simmer for approximately 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend harmoniously.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg, egg yolk, and cooked spinach. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Begin by coating the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light layer of the meat sauce.
- Next, lay out the zucchini slices in an even layer over the sauce.
- Follow by spreading a creamy cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini, ensuring it covers the slices completely.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat these layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish snugly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Next, uncover the dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the zucchini slices are tender.
- Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it to set and makes it easier to cut into neat pieces.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Lasagna is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional lasagna, perfect for those looking to cut down on carbs or increase their vegetable intake. With its rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and tender zucchini, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the comfort of lasagna with a nutritious twist!