Advertisement
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:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Large zucchini | 2 |
Salt | 1 tablespoon |
Ground beef | 1 pound |
Ground black pepper | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
Green bell pepper (diced) | 1 small |
Onion (diced) | 1 |
Tomato sauce | 16 ounces |
Tomato paste | 1 cup |
Red wine | 1/4 cup |
Fresh basil (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Fresh oregano (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
Hot water | 3 tablespoons |
Low-fat ricotta cheese | 15 ounces |
Egg | 1 |
Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tablespoons |
Frozen spinach (thawed and drained) | 16 ounces |
Fresh mushrooms (sliced) | 1 pound |
Shredded mozzarella cheese | 8 ounces |
Grated Parmesan cheese | 8 ounces |
How to Make Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin, even slices. A mandoline slicer works great for this.
- 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
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef with black pepper, stirring until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add the diced bell pepper and onion. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender.
- 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
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and parsley. Mix until smooth and well blended.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread half of the meat sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Add a layer of zucchini slices, followed by half of the ricotta mixture.
- Spread the spinach evenly over the ricotta layer, then add all the sliced mushrooms.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layering process: meat sauce, zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- 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
Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~320 |
Protein | 28g |
Carbohydrates | 12g |
Fats | 18g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sodium | 550m |
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Advertisement
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!
Advertisement
Easy No-Noodle Zucchini Lasagna – Low Carb Delight!
- 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