Ingredients:
For the Zucchini Layers:
- 3-4 medium zucchinis
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
-  Salt and pepper, to taste
For the  Meat Sauce:
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- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey/sausage if preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce (make sure it’s no sugar added)
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
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- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips (about 1/8 inch thick) to mimic lasagna noodles.
- Place the zucchini slices on paper towels, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out excess moisture.
- Pat the zucchini slices dry with paper towels.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and lightly fry the zucchini slices until they’re slightly golden and tender, about 1-2 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re slightly dried out. Set aside.
-
- Make the Meat Sauce:
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- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
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- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley (if using). Mix well.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Layer zucchini slices over the sauce.
- Spread a portion of the cheese mixture over the zucchini.
- Repeat the layers (meat sauce, zucchini, cheese mixture) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Enjoy your delicious and keto-friendly zucchini lasagna!