16 Mar 2025
Cook time 70 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
1 short spray cooking spray oil
1 zucchini
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 can canned tomatoes
1 can canned tomato paste
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg
1.50 cups ricotta cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Zucchini Lasagna is a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna. Instead of pasta, this recipe uses sliced zucchini as the base, offering a lighter yet satisfying meal. Ground turkey provides a hearty texture while ricotta and mozzarella cheeses add creamy richness. Herbs and spices give this dish an authentic Italian flavor.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini
- Slice the zucchini lengthwise into thin strips, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Use a mandoline slicer for even slices if available.
2. Cook the Turkey Filling
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly coat with a short spray of cooking spray oil.
- Add the ground turkey and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the turkey with a spoon, until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the onion powder and garlic powder.
- Add the canned tomatoes (with their juice) and tomato paste to the skillet. Mix well.
- Season with oregano, basil, thyme, black pepper, and add the water. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg.
- Add the ricotta cheese to the bowl with the beaten egg and mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Lay out a layer of zucchini slices over the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the zucchini slices.
- Add another layer of meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
- Repeat layering with remaining zucchini slices, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
5. Top and Bake
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of the lasagna.
- Cover with aluminum foil, ensuring it does not touch the cheese to prevent sticking.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
7. Serve
- Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting into it. This ensures it sets up nicely.
8. Enjoy
- Serve warm and enjoy this delicious and healthy zucchini lasagna!
Tips:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get uniform zucchini slices, which helps in even cooking.
- To avoid excess water, sprinkle zucchini slices with salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes; pat them dry before using.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
- Make sure to drain the ground turkey well after cooking to prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes after baking to allow it to set before slicing.
Zucchini Lasagna is a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake without compromising on taste. The combination of zucchini, ground turkey, and cheeses makes for a hearty, satisfying meal that's sure to become a favorite.