Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Bake - Low Carb Delight
This Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Bake is a wonderful alternative to traditional lasagna, perfect for those following a low-carb diet or anyone looking to use up an abundance of zucchini. The layers of tender zucchini sliced thinly create a delightful structure, replacing the noodles while remaining satisfying and hearty. The rich beef and tomato sauce is enhanced with herbs and a hint of garlic, though it can easily be adjusted to suit your taste—feel free to add more garlic for a stronger kick! Creamy cottage cheese brings a tangy richness to the dish, but you can substitute it with ricotta for a creamier texture. This lasagna fits perfectly in an 11x7 baking dish, serving about four hungry people, and is guaranteed to please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy this nutritious meal knowing it is both comforting and healthy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
2 1/2 cups (sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch thick (about 2 medium))
Lean ground beef
1/2 lb (or 1 lb.)
Onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
Tomatoes
2 small (cut up)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Water
1/4 cup
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Egg
1
Low fat cottage cheese
3/4 cup (or low fat or fat free ricotta)
Mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded (or use 8 oz. divided))
Flour
1 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the zucchini slices for about 3 minutes until they are just tender. Drain and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and chopped onions. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
4
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, water, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until reduced to about 2 cups.
5
While the meat sauce simmers, in a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Then, mix in the cottage cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the flour until well combined.
6
In a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, start layering the lasagna: spread half of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the pan, followed by half of the zucchini slices. Next, spread the entire cottage cheese mixture over the zucchini, then layer with the remaining meat sauce and top with the rest of the zucchini slices.
7
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lasagna from the oven, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top, and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
8
Once baked, let the dish stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy your hearty and healthy low-carb lasagna!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Bake?
It is a low-carb alternative to traditional lasagna that uses thinly sliced zucchini in place of pasta noodles, layered with a savory meat sauce and creamy cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a 'Low Carb Delight,' replacing high-carb wheat noodles with zucchini slices.
How should I prepare the zucchini for the lasagna layers?
Cut the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, then boil them for about 3 minutes until just tender before draining.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Absolutely. While the recipe calls for cottage cheese for a tangy richness, you can substitute it with ricotta for a creamier texture.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking the lasagna.
How long does the zucchini lasagna need to bake?
The dish should be baked uncovered for 30 minutes, then for an additional 10 minutes after adding the final layer of mozzarella cheese.
What size baking dish is recommended?
An 11x7 inch baking dish or a 1 1/2-quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately four people.
Can I add more garlic to the sauce?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can easily adjust the garlic to suit your taste if you prefer a stronger kick.
What ingredients are in the meat sauce?
The sauce consists of lean ground beef, onions, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, water, and pepper.
Do I need to brown the meat before layering?
Yes, you should cook the ground beef and onions in a skillet until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent.
Is there an egg in the cheese mixture?
Yes, one lightly beaten egg is mixed with the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and flour to help bind the cheese layer.
How thick should the zucchini be sliced?
The zucchini should be sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
Can I use fat-free cheese products?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of cottage cheese or ricotta as indicated in the ingredients list.
Why do I need to let the dish stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Allowing the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes helps it set, making it easier to cut into squares without falling apart.
What is the order of layering for this lasagna?
The order is: half the meat sauce, half the zucchini, the entire cottage cheese mixture, the rest of the meat sauce, and the final layer of zucchini.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese topping?
Reserve half of the mozzarella for the very end; sprinkle it on top after the initial 30 minutes of baking.
Can I use more than 1/2 lb of ground beef?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 lb or 1 lb of lean ground beef depending on your preference for meatiness.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Simmer the sauce uncovered for about 10 minutes until it reduces to about 2 cups.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 small tomatoes, cut up, along with a 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe contains 1 teaspoon of flour; to make it fully gluten-free, you would need to use a gluten-free flour substitute or omit it.
Can this be made as a vegetarian dish?
Yes, the tag 'vegetarian options' suggests you can omit the beef or use a meat alternative to make it vegetarian.
Why is boiling the zucchini important?
Pre-boiling the zucchini ensures it is tender in the finished bake and helps release some of its water content so the lasagna isn't too runny.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme.
How much water is added to the sauce?
1/4 cup of water is added to the meat and tomato mixture before simmering.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the description mentions that this lasagna is guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
What role does the flour play in the cheese mixture?
The teaspoon of flour acts as a stabilizer to help thicken the cheese and egg mixture during baking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomato paste?
The recipe specifically requires tomato paste to provide the necessary thickness for the 2-cup sauce reduction.
Is the onion cooked before being added to the sauce?
Yes, the onion is chopped and browned in a skillet along with the ground beef.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella, though it notes you can use up to 8 oz divided if you prefer it extra cheesy.