low carb zucchini lasagna recipe

low carb zucchini lasagna recipe

The Best low carb zucchini lasagna recipe

I’m so excited to share this low carb zucchini lasagna recipe with you. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s become a staple in our household. My kids love it, and I love how it’s a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a low-carb option for my husband, who has diabetes.

I was blown away by how well the zucchinis replaced the traditional noodles. Since then, I’ve made it countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just a quick weeknight dinner. It’s always a hit!

The combination of sautéed zucchinis, rich meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese is absolute perfection. And the best part? You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes by adding or subtracting ingredients as needed.

One of the key techniques to making this dish successful is using the right type of zucchinis – you want them to be nice and tender, but not too soft. This will help them hold their shape during cooking. Another important tip is not overcooking the noodles – you want them to still have a bit of crunch to them.

This will make all the difference in the world when it comes to the final result.

Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

4.5 from 1914 votes

This low carb zucchini lasagna replaces traditional pasta with thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter, gluten-free meal. Layered with a rich meat sauce and creamy cheese filling, it delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna without the carbs.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time60 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Zucchini Noodles

4 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips
1 teaspoon salt

For the Meat Sauce

1 pound ground beef (80/20)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheese Filling

2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Lay the zucchini strips on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt.
3Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with more paper towels.
4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned, about 5 minutes.
6Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
7Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
8Reduce heat to low and simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes.
9In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper.
10Stir until well blended and set aside.
11Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1/2 cup) on the bottom of the 9×13-inch baking dish.
12Arrange a layer of zucchini strips over the sauce, overlapping slightly.
13Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
14Repeat with another layer of zucchini, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining meat sauce.
15Sprinkle the top with 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
16Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden.
17Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.

🔧Equipment

Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
Large skillet
9×13-inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Paper towels

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For best results, use firm zucchini and slice evenly. Salting the zucchini removes excess water, preventing a watery lasagna. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to reduce fat.

Watch Video Of How Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna Works

This low carb zucchini lasagna recipe is truly a game-changer for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize – feel free to add your favorite meats, cheeses, or herbs to make it your own.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this dish reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave and makes for perfect lunches or snacks throughout the week.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

Q: What is the nutritional value of this low carb zucchini lasagna recipe?

The nutritional value of this recipe is impressive, with only 5g of net carbs per serving! This makes it an excellent option for those following a low-carb diet or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna.

Q: Can I use other types of summer squash instead of zucchinis?

Yes, you can definitely use other types of summer squash instead of zucchinis! In fact, yellow squash or crookneck squash would work beautifully in this recipe.

Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry?

To prevent the lasagna from becoming too dry, make sure to cook it until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add a little bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to give it an extra-rich flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can definitely make this recipe in advance! Simply assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours before serving and refrigerate until ready.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?

No problem! You can omit the fresh basil or substitute it with dried basil if you don’t have any fresh on hand.

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