Description
A delicious, hearty, and naturally gluten-free lasagna that uses zucchini ribbons instead of noodles. This 5-ingredient meal prep favorite is rich, savory, and perfect for low-carb or keto diets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large zucchini (about 2 pounds / 900g)
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce (no added sugar)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240g) whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (225g) low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash zucchini and trim ends. Slice lengthwise into thin ribbons using a vegetable peeler.
- Lay zucchini ribbons on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry thoroughly with more paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
- Warm marinara sauce with minced garlic in a small saucepan or microwave until hot.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer 3-4 zucchini ribbons over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over the ricotta.
- Drizzle with some marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers: zucchini, remaining ricotta, remaining beef, and remaining sauce.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
Critical Step: Dry the zucchini thoroughly to prevent a watery lasagna. Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melting and texture. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to ensure clean slices. This dish freezes well; assemble unbaked, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: low-carb, zucchini lasagna, ground beef, keto, gluten-free, meal prep, healthy dinner, comfort food