Easy & Satisfying Keto Zucchini Lasagna (Cheesy & Veggie-Packed!)
Enjoy a comforting classic with a low-carb twist with this Easy & Satisfying Keto Zucchini Lasagna! Layers of seasoned ground beef, thinly sliced zucchini, creamy ricotta, and sugar-free marinara are baked to cheesy perfection. This hearty, low-carb, high-protein, and naturally gluten-free dish is a delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a family dinner!
Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 large zucchini
- 2 cups full-fat ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 (24-ounce) jar sugar-free marinara sauce (e.g., Rao’s, or your preferred low-carb brand)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Nonstick cooking spray or a light greasing (for casserole dish)
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Vegetable peeler or mandoline (for slicing zucchini)
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly.
- Return the browned beef to the skillet (off heat for now). Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to taste, stirring well to combine. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare Zucchini: Wash the zucchini. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline, thinly slice the zucchini lengthwise into long, flat strips, about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
- Optional Tip for Less Watery Lasagna: Lay the zucchini slices on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with salt. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then blot them dry with more paper towels. This step helps prevent a watery lasagna.
- Assemble Lasagna: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Layer 1 (Marinara Base): Spread a thin layer (about ½ cup) of the sugar-free marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the casserole dish.
- Layer 2 (Zucchini): Place a single layer of zucchini slices over the marinara sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Layer 3 (Meat): Spread about half of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the zucchini layer.
- Layer 4 (Ricotta): Dollop about half of the ricotta cheese over the meat layer, spreading it gently with the back of a spoon.
- Layer 5 (Mozzarella): Sprinkle about 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers once more: zucchini, remaining meat mixture, remaining ricotta cheese.
- Final Layer (Top Cheese): Top the entire casserole with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly around the edges, the zucchini is tender, and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Rao’s Marinara: Rao’s is an excellent choice for a keto-friendly marinara sauce as it contains no added sugar.Always check labels to ensure your marinara is sugar-free.
- Zucchini Slicing: Uniformly thin slices of zucchini are key for even cooking. A mandoline can be very helpful.
- Preventing Watery Lasagna: The optional step of salting and blotting the zucchini is highly recommended to draw out moisture and prevent a watery final dish.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use full-fat ricotta for the best texture and flavor.
- Seasoning: Adjust garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to your taste preference.
- Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting time after baking! It’s crucial for the lasagna to hold its shape when sliced.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Zucchini Lasagna is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground beef, ricotta, and mozzarella.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground beef, full-fat ricotta, and mozzarella.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by using zucchini as a noodle substitute and sugar-free marinara sauce.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided the marinara sauce is sugar-free.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
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