The Best Low-Carb Keto Zucchini Lasagna

This content originally appeared on Sugar-Free Mom. Republished with permission.

This is the best zucchini lasagna recipe made without grains or gluten,  low in carbs, keto, and you’ll not care! Just 6 grams net carbs per serving!

Keto Low Carb Zucchini Lasagna

Using layers of baked zucchini between the traditional layers of ricotta cheese and meat and you’ve got a winning low-carb recipe!

Even non low-carbers will enjoy this fabulous and hearty meal! It’s picky hubby approved!

When I first thought about trying a grain-free noodle lasagna that could be enjoyed on a keto diet, I was a bit skeptical myself. I mean how will zucchini really match in taste in place of pasta?

Once layers of zucchini noodles are seasoned and baked, they take on a soft texture which is perfect for layering and holding up to the layers between them without falling about as a traditional lasagna recipe would be.

Keto Low-Carb Lasagna Recipe

Of course, this healthy zucchini lasagna won’t taste like regular lasagna noodles in a classic lasagna so you can’t fool the whole family.

But calling it for what it is and letting them know, yes indeed it’s a veggie between the layers, then you’ve got to just wait, watch and listen for reactions.

It’s still a lovely low-carb comfort food meal that has amazing flavor and is a really good option for those on a low-carb diet.

I’m always the risk taker so I decided to make this brand new recipe for Christmas this year.

My picky kids weren’t fans of course and I knew this would happen, but the hubby and my brother, sister-in-law and parents were all here and so I had high hopes.

So I guess it’s more of an adult meal than a family-friendly one, but good enough for company and perfect to make ahead as well.

I really think as long as you include some traditional flavors of Italian food that are familiar to everyone, it’s easier to add in something a little different. Especially dealing with Italian family members who are not low-carb.

They seemed skeptical, but didn’t say anything to me.

They tried it anyway.

They ate it.

They Loved it.

I Nailed it!

I bring you these honest stories of my life and share them to encourage you.

I know how hard it is to want others to be healthier, eat healthier, eat sugar-free and low-carb. I deal with this every day with my own hubby.

You can’t make anyone do anything. But you can encourage small changes.

And hopefully the small changes in something you’ve made for others will make them give a second thought, a new perspective, on how healthier, low-carb eating can be just as tasty and terrific.

Can I Make This Ahead?

You can make this ahead of time, just follow the steps and stop before baking at step number 14. Freeze or refrigerate.

​Storage

Cook, cool, cover leftover zucchini lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days or store individual pieces in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

If frozen, thaw the night before you want it. Let it come to room temperature for about an hour on the counter, then bake as the recipe says.

Should I Remove Excess Moisture from Zucchini?

I did not feel the zucchini had excess water and do not think this made for a watery lasagna. If I were using eggplant then I would salt the slices and lay them between paper towels, but for the zucchini, I did not do this step as I don’t think it’s needed. You could certainly do this if you want to ensure it won’t be watery. Let the salt sit for about 15 minutes on the zucchini strips then pat with a dry paper towel to remove any extra moisture.

Can I Change the Meat in the Recipe?

Yes, you can change the ground beef to ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground Italian sausage.

Can I Replace the Ricotta Cheese Mixture?

Yes if you don’t have ricotta or prefer not to use it, cottage cheese is a good alternative.

​Looking for a Keto Lasagna Recipe That Doesn’t Include Zucchini?

I’ve got a cabbage lasagna recipe you might like as well as a protein lasagna recipe that uses egg wraps instead of traditional pasta noodles.

Print

Low Carb Grain Free Zucchini Lasagna

This is the best zucchini lasagna recipe made without grains or gluten, low in carbs, keto and you’ll not care! Just 6 net carbs per serving!
Course Entree
Cuisine Italian
Keyword lasagna
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 16 people
Calories 241kcal

Ingredients

2 pounds zucchini sliced lengthwise, ¼ inch thick (For best results use a mandoline slicer or vegetable peeler or sharp knife)1 ½ pounds ground beef1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil1 clove garlic minced½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon pepper3 cups marinara sauce divided, no added sugar16 ounces ricotta cheese or see alternatives above2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese½ cup grated parmesan cheese2 eggs½ teaspoon dried oregano or use 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon dried basil½ teaspoon onion powder1 teaspoon dried parsley½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Lay sliced zucchini strips onto two greased baking sheet pans.
Bake for 15 minutes or until fork tender and set aside.
In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook ground beef in oil with garlic until browned completely.
Add salt and pepper and 2 cups of tomato sauce. Set aside.
In a bowl combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella (save the other cup for topping), eggs and seasonings.
To assemble in a 9 by 13 casserole baking dish:
Place zucchini in a single layer on bottom of dish.
Spread half the ricotta mixture over the zucchini.
Spread half the meat sauce over the cheese.
Lay more zucchini slices over the meat and repeat again with the rest of the cheese and meat mixture.
Finish with the final slices of zucchini.
Top with reserved marinara sauce and reserved mozzarella cheese.
Bake 30 minutes covered then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden brown.
Give it a quick 1-2 minutes under broil if you like a crispier topping.

Notes

Net carbs: 6g

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Sodium: 475mg | Calcium: 167mg | Vitamin C: 10mg | Vitamin A: 276IU | Sugar: 3g | Fiber: 1g | Potassium: 294mg | Cholesterol: 69mg | Calories: 241kcal | Trans Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Fat: 17g | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 7g | Iron: 1mg


Please note that the nutritional information may vary depending
on the specific brands of products used. We encourage everyone to check specific
product labels in calculating the exact nutritional information.

 

Featured Articles

Featured video

Video abspielen
Watch Dr. Paul Harris talk about family health care practice and his patient-centered approach

Healthy Newsletter

Quo ea etiam viris soluta, cum in aliquid oportere. Eam id omnes alterum. Mei velit