This Classic Zucchini Lasagna is a hearty, low-carb twist on traditional lasagna, made with thinly sliced zucchini in place of noodles for a lighter yet satisfying comfort dish. This Healthy Zucchini Lasagna features layers of rich meat sauce made with ground beef and Italian sausage, combined with creamy ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
The zucchini slices are lightly salted and baked to remove excess moisture before layering with marinara sauce, the flavorful meat mixture, and the cheese blend. This Easy Zucchini Lasagna delivers all the Italian flavor of a classic lasagna, without the carbs, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Overview of Classic Zucchini Lasagna
This Classic Zucchini Lasagna offers a delightful twist on the traditional dish, replacing pasta with thinly sliced zucchini.
Not only does this approach create a lighter meal, but it also caters to those seeking a healthy option without sacrificing flavor.
The layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella come together to form a satisfying dish that is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, this dish stands out as one of the best zucchini lasagna options available.
Ingredients for a Wholesome Meal
The foundation of this Easy Zucchini Lasagna includes fresh zucchinis, which serve as the base instead of traditional lasagna noodles.
Ground beef and Italian sausage combine to create a flavorful meat sauce, while ricotta and mozzarella cheeses add creaminess and richness.
Seasoned with Italian herbs, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low carb lasagna alternative.
Preparation Steps for Success
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s essential to prepare the zucchini properly.
After slicing, a light salting helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring the lasagna layers remain intact and flavorful.
Cooking the meat until browned and mixing it with marinara sauce creates a robust filling that complements the zucchini beautifully.
Layering the Zucchini Lasagna
Layering is key to achieving the ideal balance of flavors and textures.
Start with a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of the baking dish, followed by zucchini slices, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella.
Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan for that golden, bubbly finish.
Baking to Perfection
Baking the lasagna covered with foil initially helps to trap moisture, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Removing the foil towards the end of the baking time lets the cheese achieve that desirable golden color and bubbly texture.
Letting the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing makes serving easier and enhances the overall presentation.
Serving Suggestions and Enjoyment
This Classic Zucchini Lasagna is best enjoyed warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.
Delicious Zucchini Lasagna Recipe With Ricotta
This Zucchini Lasagna Recipe features gooey, cheesy layers that create a satisfying texture in every bite. Baked until golden and bubbly, it offers a wholesome and delicious alternative to traditional lasagna, making it one of the Best Zucchini Lasagna options available.
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced thinly
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the zucchinis thinly and lay them on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Zucchini Lasagna!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g