Light & Easy Summer Zucchini Lasagna ☀️
This Light & Easy Summer Zucchini Lasagna is a low-carb, high-protein meal perfect for a healthy summer dinner. Layers of fresh zucchini, savory ground beef, a creamy cottage cheese filling, and marinara sauce create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Equipment
- Mandoline
- Large skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchini
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 container marinara sauce (770 mL)
- 2 cups cottage cheese (liquid drained)
- 3 handfuls fresh spinach (chopped)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1.5 cups part-skim mozzarella cheese (grated)
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini into thin, uniform strips (about 1 inch wide). Lay them out on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let them rest for 15-20 minutes to release excess moisture. Gently pat them completely dry with more paper towels.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat, until it's fully browned. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce and let it gently simmer for a few minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, prepare the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese, chopped fresh spinach, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Time to layer! In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the savory meat sauce evenly. Arrange half of your prepped zucchini slices over the sauce. Gently spread all of the creamy cottage cheese filling over the zucchini. Add the remaining zucchini slices, then top with the rest of the meat sauce. Finally, sprinkle generously with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes, or until bubbly. For a golden, crispy topping, carefully broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set perfectly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm!
Notes
This healthy and easy zucchini lasagna is a perfect low-carb option for a delicious summer meal.
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 362kcal
Total Carbs: 10g (Net Carbs: 8g)
Fats: 19g
Protein: 36g
Calories: 362kcal
Total Carbs: 10g (Net Carbs: 8g)
Fats: 19g
Protein: 36g
