Seriously I can eat this all day long!.
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but traditional recipes can be high in carbohydrates and calories. For those looking to enjoy the delicious layers of a lasagna without the carbs, low carb zucchini lasagna is a perfect alternative. This dish substitutes zucchini for pasta, creating a lighter, healthier version of the classic Italian favorite.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Zucchini | 3 large, sliced lengthwise |
| Ricotta cheese | 2 cups |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup, grated |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Ground beef/turkey | 1 lb |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Onion | 1 small, chopped |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Dried basil | 1 tsp |
| Dried oregano | 1 tsp |
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice 3 large zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer.
2. Cook the Meat
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 chopped small onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a layer of sliced zucchini strips on top of the sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Spoon half of the cooked meat mixture on top of the ricotta layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with a final layer of zucchini strips and marinara sauce on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Let it Rest
- Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the lasagna to set and makes it easier to serve.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve the zucchini lasagna hot and enjoy the delicious layers of flavors and textures!
