Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Delight
Indulge in this Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Delight, a gourmet twist on traditional lasagna that caters to low-carb lifestyles without sacrificing flavor. With layers of tender zucchini, rich ground chuck, and a creamy cheese blend, this dish is not only wholesome but also bursting with savory taste. The use of fresh tomatoes, aromatic oregano, and a medley of cheeses promises a satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Serve it up for a comforting dinner any night of the week!
4
Servings
163
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground chuck
1 lb (browned)
green tomato
1/2 (chopped)
small tomato
1 (chopped)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
tomato sauce
1 (7 ounce) can (any variety, such as Mexican El Pato medium)
zucchini
2 cups (sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices)
cottage cheese
1 cup (straight from the container)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
egg
1 (beaten)
mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a skillet coated with cooking spray, brown the ground chuck over medium heat. Add the chopped green and small tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the oregano, garlic powder, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Mix well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes until all the flavors meld together and the mixture becomes tender.
4
While the meat mixture is simmering, prepare the zucchini. Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices on a plate, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and cover with an upside-down plate. Microwave on high for 2 minutes to soften.
5
In a medium bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until blended and set aside.
6
In a 10-inch casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray, layer 1/3 of the meat mixture on the bottom, followed by half of the zucchini slices.
7
Spread the entire cottage cheese mixture over the zucchini. Layer the remaining meat mixture on top, followed by the remaining zucchini slices.
8
Finally, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
9
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 12 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
10
Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Delight!
Nutrition Information
10.5g
Fat
3.5g
Carbs
12g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna Delight?
It is a low-carb, gourmet version of traditional lasagna that uses sliced zucchini instead of pasta noodles, layered with ground chuck and a creamy cheese blend.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving of this lasagna contains 163 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 3.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is an excellent choice for those following a low-carb lifestyle.
What type of meat is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of lean ground chuck.
How much protein does this dish provide?
Each serving provides 12g of protein.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the layers?
Slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices, sprinkle with salt, and microwave on high for 2 minutes to soften.
What ingredients are in the cheese mixture?
The cheese mixture consists of 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 beaten egg.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
Bake for 30 minutes covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 12 minutes until bubbly.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe uses a combination of 1/2 a chopped green tomato and 1 chopped small tomato.
What kind of tomato sauce is best for this recipe?
A 7-ounce can of tomato sauce is required; the recipe suggests a variety like Mexican El Pato medium.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 10.5g of fat per serving.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The meat mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to taste.
What size dish should I use for assembly?
A 10-inch casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray is recommended.
How is the mozzarella cheese used?
1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella is sprinkled over the final layer before baking.
Can I prepare the meat in advance?
Yes, you can brown the ground chuck and simmer it with the tomatoes and sauce before assembling the dish.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
This dish contains approximately 0.75g of fiber per serving.
Is there any salt added to the zucchini?
Yes, a pinch of salt is sprinkled on the zucchini slices before they are microwaved to help soften them.
What is the order of the layers?
Layer 1/3 meat sauce, half the zucchini, the entire cottage cheese mixture, the rest of the meat sauce, the remaining zucchini, and finally the mozzarella.
Does this recipe include eggs?
Yes, one beaten egg is used to bind the cottage cheese and Parmesan mixture.
How long should the meat mixture simmer?
Once the sauce and spices are added, let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes.
Should the lasagna cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to let the lasagna cool for a few minutes after baking to make slicing easier.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include low carb, lasagna, zucchini, comfort food, and ground beef.
How much zucchini is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of zucchini, sliced lengthwise.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Can I use any variety of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use any variety of tomato sauce, though specific brands like El Pato are suggested for extra flavor.
Does the recipe require fresh or dried garlic?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried garlic powder.
What is the ingredient count for this dish?
There are 11 specific ingredients used in this recipe.
Is the cottage cheese drained before use?
The recipe indicates using cottage cheese straight from the container.