Zucchini Lasagna
Cora Garcia
I remember the first time I decided to try making zucchini lasagna. One warm summer evening, my garden was overflowing with fresh zucchinis.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 50 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 380 kcal
- 4 large garden-fresh zucchinis sliced lengthwise into thin strips
- 2 pounds lean ground beef browned and drained
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 15 ounces of creamy ricotta cheese
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 1½ cups low-moisture mozzarella shredded
- 24 ounces of your favorite rich marinara or pasta sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced and sautéed with the beef
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- A small handful of chopped fresh basil and flat-leaf parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
First things first, slice those zucchinis. Lengthwise, about ¼ inch thick works best. Lay them on paper towels and sprinkle a bit of salt on each side. This helps to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent a soggy lasagna.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
While the zucchini is sweating out moisture, brown the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Once cooked, drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also gets your kitchen smelling divine.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta
In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Season with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning blend. This mixture provides a creamy element that contrasts with the hearty layers.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, covering as much as possible. Spoon half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then add half of the ground beef, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat this layering, finishing with zucchini as the top layer.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, and bake for about 30 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
A few quick tips to get the most out of your zucchini lasagna:
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly sliced zucchini. This tool can make a significant difference in your prep time.
- Let it rest! Allowing the lasagna to sit for a bit after baking helps the layers set, making for cleaner slices.
- Feel free to experiment! Try adding layers of spinach or grilled vegetables in between for extra flavor.
- Don’t skip the salt on the zucchini. It’s essential for reducing moisture and enhancing flavor.
- Double up on the sauce if you prefer a saucier lasagna. It can handle the extra moisture if the zucchini is properly dehydrated.
Calories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gFiber: 3g