Zucchini Lasagna (Low-Carb & Delicious!)
Zucchini Lasagna (Low-Carb & Delicious!) is a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional lasagna that replaces pasta with thinly sliced zucchini. This low-carb dish is packed with fresh vegetables, rich cheeses, and a savory meat sauce, making it perfect for those seeking nutritious yet comforting meals without the extra carbs. Easy to prepare and customizable for dietary preferences, it’s a family-friendly recipe that delivers classic lasagna taste in a lighter form.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free, Low Carb
Main Ingredients
- 4–5 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce (your favorite tomato sauce)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and thinly slice the zucchinis lengthwise into even strips. Sprinkle the slices with salt and let them rest on paper towels for about 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then gently pat them dry to prevent a soggy lasagna.
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion and garlic until fragrant. Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce, then season with basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes to develop rich flavors.
- Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Arrange a layer of zucchini slices evenly. Add dollops of ricotta cheese followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella, then more meat sauce. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to become bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This allows it to set, making slicing easier and preserving the beautiful layers in every serving.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer to achieve evenly thin zucchini slices that cook uniformly.
- Salting and draining zucchini is essential to prevent excess water and sogginess.
- Lightly season the zucchini and cheeses between layers for balanced flavor throughout.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the zucchini tender and prevent drying out.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Resting the lasagna before cutting ensures clean, intact slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Zucchini Lasagna, Low-Carb Lasagna, Gluten-Free Lasagna, Healthy Italian Recipe, Low Carb Dinner