Description
This Zucchini Lasagna is a healthy comfort food packed with flavor! Layers of zucchini, seasoned ground beef, and creamy ricotta make for a delightful, homemade meal that is perfect for quick dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 small zucchini sliced lengthwise into ⅛-inch planks
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- ½ large onion about 1¼ cups, diced into ¼-inch pieces
- 1 lb ground beef 85% or 90% lean
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1½ teaspoons fresh minced garlic
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce low-sugar if preferred
- 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1½ cups frozen chopped spinach
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1½ cups whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 ¼ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add the zucchini and ¼ teaspoon salt. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, flipping every 1–2 minutes until moisture evaporates and zucchini begins to brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic to the same pan. Cook, crumbling as you stir for 4–5 minutes until cooked through.
- If desired, drain the beef then return it to the pan. Add marinara sauce, balsamic vinegar, and frozen spinach. Stir and simmer uncovered for 10–13 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with black pepper and remove from heat.
- In a medium bowl, whisk ricotta, eggs, Italian seasoning, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and parmesan until smooth.
- Spread half the meat sauce evenly in the baking dish. Layer half the zucchini on top, dollop with half the ricotta mixture, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Bake uncovered for 33–35 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
For a vegetarian version, use lentils or extra spinach instead of beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx 1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg