Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna – Low Carb Delight!

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

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If you’ve ever found yourself craving a comforting lasagna but hesitating over the carb count, this recipe is for you. Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna is a game-changer—it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with nutrients while keeping things light and guilt-free. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for a fresh take on a classic favorite, this dish will quickly become a household staple.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Lasagna

  • Low-Carb Alternative: Perfect for keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diets.
  • Rich in Flavor: The robust meat sauce and creamy ricotta mixture deliver classic lasagna taste without the noodles.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and protein for a wholesome meal.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Your Zucchini Lasagna

Here’s everything you need to create this delectable dish:

IngredientAmount
Large zucchini2
Salt1 tablespoon
Ground beef1 pound
Ground black pepper1 1/2 teaspoons
Green bell pepper (diced)1 small
Onion (diced)1
Tomato sauce16 ounces
Tomato paste1 cup
Red wine1/4 cup
Fresh basil (chopped)2 tablespoons
Fresh oregano (chopped)1 tablespoon
Hot water3 tablespoons
Low-fat ricotta cheese15 ounces
Egg1
Fresh parsley (chopped)2 tablespoons
Frozen spinach (thawed and drained)16 ounces
Fresh mushrooms (sliced)1 pound
Shredded mozzarella cheese8 ounces
Grated Parmesan cheese8 ounces

How to Make Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna

1. Prepare the Zucchini

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin, even slices. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
  3. Sprinkle the zucchini slices lightly with salt and place them in a colander to drain for 10-15 minutes. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with black pepper, stirring until browned (about 5 minutes).
  2. Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.
  3. Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, basil, oregano, and hot water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well blended.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

  1. Spread half of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
  2. Add a layer of zucchini slices, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
  3. Spread the spinach evenly over the ricotta layer, then add all the sliced mushrooms.
  4. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
  5. Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
  6. Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Bake the Lasagna

  1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  3. Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

  • Drain the Zucchini Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures your lasagna isn’t watery.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Basil and oregano add a vibrant, authentic flavor.
  • Customize Veggies: Add or swap vegetables like eggplant or kale to suit your taste.
  • Cheese Variations: Use part-skim mozzarella or dairy-free options for a lighter or vegan-friendly dish.

Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories~320
Protein28g
Carbohydrates12g
Fats18g
Fiber4g
Sodium550m

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.


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2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze zucchini lasagna?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish but do not bake. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

4. What side dishes go well with this lasagna?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with zucchini lasagna.

5. Do I have to use ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a dairy-free alternative.

6. How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Properly salt and drain the zucchini slices, and don’t skip patting them dry before layering.

Conclusion: Time to Try This Low-Carb Delight!

Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna is proof that comfort food can be healthy and delicious. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing your friends with a wholesome twist on a classic dish. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and savor every bite of this delightful low-carb creation.

Ready to give it a try? Roll up your sleeves and make this zucchini lasagna tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!


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Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna – Low Carb Delight!


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  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the carbs! This Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna layers tender zucchini slices, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese for a low-carb, keto-friendly dinner that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.


Ingredients

  • 2 large zucchini
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 small green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 16 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup red wine
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons hot water
  • 15 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained
  • 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Prepare the Zucchini:
    • Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin strips. Use a mandoline slicer for even slices if available.
    • Sprinkle slices lightly with salt and let drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Make the Meat Sauce:
    • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef seasoned with black pepper until browned (5 minutes).
    • Add bell pepper and onion, cooking until tender.
    • Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, basil, oregano, and hot water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
    • In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley until smooth and well blended.
  • Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Spread half of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
    • Layer with zucchini slices, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
    • Evenly distribute spinach and mushrooms over the ricotta layer.
    • Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese.
    • Repeat the layers: meat sauce, zucchini, ricotta mixture, mozzarella cheese.
    • Top with grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  • Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
    • Remove foil, increase oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
    • Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Avoid Watery Lasagna: Ensure zucchini is properly salted, drained, and patted dry.
  • Herb Variations: Add fresh thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
  • Cheese Alternatives: Use part-skim mozzarella or dairy-free cheese for a lighter or vegan version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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