Zucchini Ground Beef Layered Delight
Transform dinner into a delightful experience with this Zucchini Ground Beef Layered Delight! This innovative lasagna alternative replaces traditional pasta with fresh zucchini strips, making it a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Packed with hearty ground beef, a robust tomato sauce, and layers of cheesy goodness, this dish is perfect for families looking to sneak in some vegetables. With every bite, kids and adults alike will love the rich, comforting taste, making it an ideal weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
4 large (Cut into 1/4-inch thick strips)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing)
Garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Ground beef
3/4 lb (Cooked and crumbled)
Canned tomatoes
1 (1 lb) can (Diced or crushed)
Tomato paste
1 (6 ounce) can (Concentrated)
Sliced mushrooms
1 (4 ounce) can (Drained)
Dry red wine
3/4 cup (To enhance sauce flavor)
Dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons (Herb seasoning)
Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon (Herb seasoning)
Dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (Herb seasoning)
Salt and pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Mozzarella cheese
8 ounces (Thinly sliced or shredded)
Ricotta cheese
8 ounces (Soft cheese)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Prepare the zucchini by cutting it into 1/4-inch thick strips and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until the onion is translucent and soft, about 3-5 minutes.
4
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Stir in the canned tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, drained mushrooms, red wine, oregano, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
In a greased shallow casserole dish, arrange half of the zucchini strips at the bottom.
7
Layer half of the mozzarella cheese followed by half of the ricotta cheese over the zucchini strips.
8
Spoon half of the meat sauce over the cheese layers.
9
Repeat the layering process with the remaining zucchini, mozzarella, ricotta, and meat sauce.
10
Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
11
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12
Let cool for a few minutes before serving to help the layers set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zucchini Ground Beef Layered Delight?
It is a healthier lasagna alternative that replaces traditional pasta with fresh zucchini strips, layered with ground beef, tomato sauce, and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
Is this dish considered low-carb?
Yes, it is tagged as low-carb because it uses zucchini strips instead of flour-based pasta.
What are the primary ingredients in the meat sauce?
The meat sauce consists of ground beef, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, mushrooms, and dry red wine seasoned with herbs.
How thick should I cut the zucchini strips?
The zucchini should be cut into 1/4-inch thick strips.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the meat sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
What type of wine is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of dry red wine to enhance the sauce flavor.
Can I substitute the ground beef?
Yes, you could use ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative as a substitute.
What types of cheese are used in the layers?
The dish uses mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and is topped with grated Parmesan.
How do I layer the ingredients in the casserole dish?
Arrange half the zucchini, then half the mozzarella and ricotta, followed by half the meat sauce, and then repeat the process.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes of baking.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is between 30 to 35 minutes.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
Remove the foil after 25 minutes and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
Why should I let the dish cool before serving?
Letting it cool for a few minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried oregano, dried thyme, and dried basil.
Do I need to cook the zucchini before layering it?
No, the zucchini strips are placed in the casserole dish raw and will cook during the baking process.
What size of tomato paste can is required?
A 6-ounce can of concentrated tomato paste is used.
Are the mushrooms fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for one 4-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of ground beef.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as an ideal weeknight meal that is both satisfying and nutritious for kids and adults.
Can I make this dish in a single pot?
While the sauce is made in a skillet, the final dish is assembled and baked in a casserole dish, making it a 'One Dish Meal' for serving.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Is there any oil used in the cooking process?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of olive oil are used for sautéing the garlic and onion.
How many large zucchinis are needed?
You will need 4 large zucchinis.
What is the purpose of the tomato paste?
The tomato paste provides a concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Can I skip the wine in the sauce?
Yes, the wine is for flavor enhancement; you can omit it or replace it with a splash of beef broth if preferred.
How do I know the onion is ready when sautéing?
The onion should be cooked until it is translucent and soft, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
What is the final topping for the dish?
The dish is finished with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What should the consistency of the ground beef be?
The ground beef should be cooked until it is browned and crumbly.