Description
This Zucchini Lasagna is a healthy, delicious twist on the classic, with zucchini replacing pasta and layers of spiced minced beef, creamy sour cream, and melted cheese. It’s a lighter option that’s just as satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
500 g minced beef
1 onion (finely diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp tomato paste
700 g canned chopped tomatoes
1 tbsp oregano
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper (to taste)
400 g sour cream
1 egg
50 g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian herbs
Salt and pepper (to taste)
150 g grated cheese (for topping)
3 large zucchinis
Instructions
- Prepare the Minced Meat Sauce: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic, cook for 1 more minute. Add minced beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the meat. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare the Zucchini: Trim ends of zucchini and cut them lengthwise into thin strips using a vegetable peeler. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Sour Cream Mixture: Combine sour cream, egg, Parmesan, and Italian herbs in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Layer the Lasagna: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Start by layering two zucchini strips in a baking dish. Spoon 1/3 of the meat sauce over the zucchini and spread it evenly. Add 1/3 of the sour cream mixture and spread it evenly. Repeat the layers: zucchini, meat sauce, sour cream mixture. Finish with a final layer of zucchini strips and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake the Lasagna: Bake the lasagna for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the lasagna into portions and serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- This dish is naturally low-carb and gluten-free due to the use of zucchini instead of pasta.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and use a vegetable filling such as mushrooms or lentils.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially if you want to make it spicier with extra cayenne or chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
