If you’re craving comfort food but want to make it a little lighter, this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is the perfect solution. It’s all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna, but with a healthier twist that will leave you feeling satisfied without the heavy carbs. This dish is so tasty that you won’t even miss the pasta, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Zucchini Lasagna is a great way to enjoy lasagna without all the carbs. The zucchini replaces the traditional lasagna noodles, making it a lighter option while still packing in tons of flavor. The ground turkey is a lean protein choice, and when paired with a rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, it’s the perfect balance of savory and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes for amazing leftovers!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need (full list of ingredients below):
- Zucchini (preferably large, for easy slicing)
- Ground turkey
- Olive oil
- Onion and garlic
- Tomato sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
- Spices: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Zucchini
Start by slicing the zucchini into long strips, about 1/4-inch thick. You can either use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this. Once sliced, lightly salt the zucchini strips and place them on a paper towel to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This will help prevent your lasagna from getting watery.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Once done, stir in the tomato sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the turkey mixture is simmering, prepare your cheese layer. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil. Season with a little salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce mixture in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, layer the zucchini strips over the sauce, followed by a layer of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of turkey sauce on top. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for a nice cheesy finish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let the lasagna sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Be sure to salt the zucchini before assembling the lasagna. This helps remove some of the water content and keeps the lasagna from becoming too soggy.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a layer of fresh spinach or mushrooms between the zucchini layers.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground turkey for a mix of ricotta and spinach, or even roasted vegetables.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- If you’re not a fan of turkey, you can substitute it with ground beef, chicken, or even ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella cheese, and make sure to choose a dairy-free Parmesan or omit it altogether.
- You can also add a layer of marinara sauce or pesto for a different twist on the flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Zucchini Lasagna is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a light side salad. I recommend a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the lasagna. You could also serve it with some roasted garlic bread or a simple side of sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave if you’re in a rush. The flavors actually improve after sitting for a day, so it makes great leftovers!
4 FAQs
1. Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Definitely! This lasagna freezes really well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes, or until heated through.
3. Do I have to peel the zucchini?
Nope, you don’t need to peel the zucchini! The skin adds color and texture to the dish. Just make sure to slice it thinly to ensure it cooks properly.
4. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or mascarpone for a creamier texture. You can also try different kinds of mozzarella, such as smoked mozzarella, for a unique flavor.
Conclusion
This Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is the perfect lighter alternative to traditional lasagna, without sacrificing any of the flavors we all love. Whether you’re looking to cut back on carbs or just want to try something new, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you’ll love how much healthier it feels while still being totally satisfying. Enjoy this meal anytime you’re in the mood for a comforting, but light, twist on a classic!
Print
Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A lighter, carb-free twist on traditional lasagna, this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey uses zucchini in place of noodles for a healthy, satisfying, and flavorful dish. Packed with lean protein, melted cheese, and rich tomato sauce, it’s comfort food without the guilt!
Ingredients
For the Lasagna:
- Zucchini (large, for easy slicing): 3-4 medium
- Ground turkey: 1 lb (450g)
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Onion (medium, chopped): 1
- Garlic (cloves, minced): 2
- Tomato sauce: 2 cups
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup
- Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups (shredded)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (grated)
- Fresh basil: 2 tbsp (chopped)
- Spices: Italian seasoning (1 tsp), Salt (to taste), Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prep the Zucchini: Slice zucchini into long strips about ¼ inch thick. Lightly salt the slices and place them on paper towels for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in tomato sauce and spices, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer zucchini slices, followed by the cheese mixture. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of turkey sauce and topping with remaining mozzarella.
- Bake and Serve: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to salt the zucchini to reduce excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- You can add a layer of spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a vegetarian version, swap ground turkey for ricotta and spinach or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg