Enjoy a healthier twist on classic Italian comfort food with this Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna recipe! Made with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and a rich blend of cheeses, this low-carb, gluten-free lasagna is packed with flavor and perfect for those following keto, low-carb, or high-protein diets. Ideal for meal prep and family dinners, this dish is easy to make, loaded with protein, and a great way to add vegetables to your meal. Whether you’re looking for healthy dinner recipes or delicious casserole ideas, this zucchini lasagna is sure to become a favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 24 oz marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 lbs zucchini (about 3-4 medium zucchinis), sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Reserve 1 cup of marinara sauce, then add the remaining marinara sauce to the turkey. Stir until combined and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, egg, black pepper, and chopped basil. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the reserved marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a single layer of zucchini slices on top of the marinara.
- Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of zucchini, followed by the remaining meat sauce, then the remaining cottage cheese mixture.
- Add a final layer of zucchini, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes uncovered. For a golden-brown top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna is a flavorful, healthier twist on a classic Italian dish. With layers of tender zucchini, savory turkey meat sauce, and a creamy cheese blend, it’s both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for low-carb diets or when you’re craving comfort food with a lighter touch!
Tips
- Zucchini Prep: Pat the zucchini slices dry before layering to reduce extra moisture.
- Cheese Variety: Swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Browning: Broiling at the end enhances flavor and gives the cheese a perfect golden crust.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat: Substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative.
- Cheese: Use ricotta in place of cottage cheese or try adding gouda for a unique flavor.
- Vegetables: Layer in spinach or thinly sliced mushrooms for extra nutrition.
FAQs
- Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Can I skip the egg? The egg helps bind the cheese mixture, but it can be omitted if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this lasagna with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Warm garlic bread is also a perfect accompaniment if you’re not avoiding carbs.
Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna
8
servings15
minutes50
minutesIngredients
2 lbs ground turkey
24 oz marinara sauce, divided
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 large egg
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 lbs zucchini (about 3-4 medium zucchinis), sliced into ¼-inch thick slices
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Remove from heat and drain any excess fat.
- Reserve 1 cup of marinara sauce, then add the remaining marinara sauce to the turkey. Stir until combined and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, egg, black pepper, and chopped basil. Stir until thoroughly mixed.
- Spread the reserved marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place a single layer of zucchini slices on top of the marinara.
- Spread half of the meat sauce evenly over the zucchini layer.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers: add another layer of zucchini, followed by the remaining meat sauce, then the remaining cottage cheese mixture.
- Add a final layer of zucchini, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 30 minutes uncovered. For a golden-brown top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
- Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve and enjoy!
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