Flavorful Low-Carb Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna: A Healthy, Crowd-Pleasing Recipe
This Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna offers a delightful, healthy, and low-carb alternative to the traditional Italian classic. Featuring tender layers of zucchini “noodles” expertly replacing pasta, a rich, savory meat sauce, and a creamy, cheesy filling made with cottage cheese and spinach, all topped with melted mozzarella, this dish remarkably captures the authentic taste of lasagna. It’s an excellent method for incorporating more vegetables into your family’s diet, especially for those picky eaters who might otherwise shy away from greens.

While zucchini is often associated with summer harvests, fresh zucchini is increasingly available year-round, allowing you to enjoy this delicious and nutritious meat and zucchini lasagna any time you crave a comforting meal. This particular recipe draws inspiration from classic make-ahead lasagna techniques, ensuring a dish that’s both convenient and incredibly satisfying. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Spinach Pecan Strawberry Salad, homemade Baguette Garlic Bread, or savory Bread Machine Italian Breadsticks.
đReader Review
“Got a chance to try this and wow, knocked it out of the park. The zucchini made a great substitute for the noodles, and the cottage cheese spinach gave it a wonderful taste. All in all, a great tasting and healthy lasagna!!” âââââ
 Why You’ll Love This Healthy Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
This Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary triumph that brings together health-consciousness and incredible flavor. Here’s why this dish is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen:
- Low Carb & Healthy:Â One of the standout features of this lasagna is its smart substitution of zucchini for traditional pasta noodles. While regular lasagna noodles pack around 39g of carbs per serving, our zucchini “noodles” slash that down to a mere 3g! Zucchini itself is a nutritional powerhouse, low in saturated fat and sodium, very low in cholesterol, and an excellent source of dietary fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and essential minerals like potassium and manganese. This makes for a significantly lighter, yet equally satisfying, meal that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
- Tastes Like Traditional Lasagna: Don’t let the “healthy” and “low-carb” labels fool you â this zucchini lasagna delivers all the comforting, savory flavors you expect from a classic Italian lasagna. The rich meat sauce, creamy cheese and spinach filling, and perfectly baked zucchini layers create a harmonious blend that tricks even the most discerning palates. This makes it the ultimate secret weapon for parents looking to sneak nutrient-dense vegetables into their children’s diets, or for anyone who struggles to enjoy their greens. Itâs truly a delicious way to embrace hidden vegetables.
- Excellent for Meal Prep & Make-Ahead: Life gets busy, but enjoying a wholesome, home-cooked meal shouldn’t be a challenge. This zucchini lasagna is incredibly convenient for make-ahead preparation. You can assemble it entirely a day or two in advance and simply bake it when youâre ready, or even freeze it for a future quick dinner. This feature makes it perfect for busy weeknights, entertaining guests, or ensuring you have healthy meals stocked for the week ahead.
- Uses Abundant Zucchini:Â If you find yourself with an abundance of zucchini from your garden or a farmers’ market, this recipe is your ideal solution. It thoughtfully incorporates a generous quantity of 4 medium zucchinis, making it a fantastic way to utilize this versatile vegetable. Beyond classic zucchini bread, savory zucchini recipes can be surprisingly hard to come by, but this lasagna offers a hearty and flavorful use for your bounty.
Beyond this incredible lasagna, if you’re exploring more savory zucchini recipes, I highly recommend my Zucchini Boats for another fun way to use this versatile squash. For a quick and delicious side, my Shredded Zucchini and Feta SautĂŠ is a must-try, combining shredded zucchini with just a few other ingredients for an unbelievably tasty accompaniment. And for those chillier evenings, my Zucchini Potato Soup serves as a fantastic main, appetizer, or side dish. Looking for an appetizer? These Buffalo Chicken Zucchini Pizza Bites are a quick and easy way to turn zucchini into a crowd-pleasing snack.
đĽIngredient Notes & Selection Tips
Crafting the perfect Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna starts with selecting the right ingredients. Hereâs a closer look at what youâll need and some tips for each:

- Zucchini (4 medium or 2 large): The star of our low-carb lasagna! Opt for medium-sized zucchinis, as they are ideal for slicing into thin, uniform strips that mimic traditional noodles. Larger zucchinis tend to be tougher, more fibrous, and hold more water, making them better suited for shredding in other recipes. Zucchini is a fantastic low-carb noodle alternative, offering rich nutrients including Protein, Vitamin A, Thiamine, Niacin, Phosphorus, Copper, Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, and Manganese, all while being low in saturated fat and sodium, and very low in cholesterol.
- Pasta Sauce (21 oz / 640 ml / ~2 ž cups): A good quality pasta sauce forms the foundation of our meat sauce. While you can certainly make your own from scratch, using a store-bought favorite can save significant time and ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Look for a brand with rich tomato flavor. *For those tracking Weight Watchers points, Classico Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce is a great option, typically counting as 1 point per ½ cup.
- Lean Ground Beef (2 lbs): Using lean or extra lean ground beef is crucial for this recipe. Higher fat content can lead to excessive grease in your lasagna, making it heavy and watery. Opt for at least 90% lean to ensure a hearty, yet not greasy, meat sauce. Youâll want to drain any excess fat after browning.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): This is your secret weapon for a burst of authentic Italian flavor without needing a whole pantry of individual herbs and spices. A good Italian seasoning blend typically includes oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram, providing a balanced and aromatic profile.
- Cottage Cheese (ž cup low-fat): I prefer cottage cheese over ricotta in my lasagna for several reasons. It generally has about half the calories and two-thirds less fat than ricotta, making it a lighter choice. Furthermore, I find its slightly textured consistency more appealing than ricottaâs overly smooth, almost cream-cheese-like texture, which can sometimes feel out of place in lasagna. You can use regular, low-fat, or fat-free depending on your dietary preferences.
- Garlic (4 cloves): Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic depth to the meat sauce. Its pungent flavor mellows during cooking, infusing the entire dish with warmth and complexity.
- Fresh Baby Spinach (2 ½ cups): Using fresh baby spinach contributes a vibrant color and fresh, mild flavor to the creamy cheese filling. Baby spinach leaves are tender and smaller, blending seamlessly into the mixture and making it easier to slice through once the lasagna is cooked. If using regular spinach, you might want to chop it slightly.
- Partly Skimmed Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups shredded, ~400g package): Mozzarella is essential for that classic gooey, melted cheese topping. Partly skimmed varieties offer a good balance of meltability and a slightly lighter fat content.
- Reduced-Fat Parmesan Cheese (1.5 cups): Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty, and nutty depth of flavor to the cheese filling. Using a reduced-fat option helps keep the recipe healthier without compromising taste.
- Small Onion (1, chopped): Finely chopped onion provides a subtle sweetness and aromatic base for the ground beef sauce, enhancing its overall flavor complexity.
- Sliced Mushrooms (1.5 cups, 227g package): Mushrooms add an earthy, umami richness to the meat sauce. Pre-cooking them is a crucial step to prevent the lasagna from becoming watery, as mushrooms release a significant amount of liquid during cooking.
- Garnish (Optional): Fresh Basil and additional Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a bright, herbaceous finish and a pop of color, elevating the dish from simply delicious to something truly special. Extra grated Parmesan cheese on top offers an additional layer of savory goodness. I highly recommend both!
*Please see the comprehensive recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and exact quantities.
đ Variations & Substitutions to Customize Your Lasagna
This Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!
- Cottage Cheese Alternatives: While low-fat cottage cheese is my preferred choice for its texture and health benefits, you have options. You can use regular, low-fat, or fat-free cottage cheese. Alternatively, dry cottage cheese (often called Farmer’s cheese) works well and naturally has less moisture. If you prefer the classic taste, ricotta cheese can be substituted cup for cup, though it will add more calories and fat.
- Spinach Options: Fresh baby spinach is recommended for its tender texture and ease of use. However, you can absolutely use regular fresh spinach (you might want to chop it a bit) or even frozen spinach. If opting for frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out *all* excess moisture to prevent a watery lasagna. This step is critical!
- Make it Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, add Ÿ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce along with the Italian seasoning. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of spice.
- Ground Meat Swaps: To further lighten the dish or vary the flavor profile, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. Ensure you use lean versions and brown them thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.
- Vegetarian Version: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by replacing the ground beef with a plant-based alternative. Excellent options include cooked lentils, plant-based ground meat substitutes, or a robust mix of sautĂŠed vegetables like diced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and even extra zucchini. Remember to thoroughly drain any excess moisture from sautĂŠed vegetables before adding them to the sauce.
- Italian Seasoning Alternatives: If you don’t have a pre-made Italian seasoning blend, you can create your own by combining individual dried herbs such as oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. If using fresh herbs, youâll need to double the amount for comparable flavor strength.
- Homemade Pasta Sauce: For a truly homemade experience, you can craft your own pasta sauce from tomato sauce, tomato paste, and a blend of dried or fresh herbs and spices. This allows you to control the ingredients and adjust flavors precisely.
- Mushrooms: While fresh sliced mushrooms are superior for flavor and texture, canned sliced mushrooms can be used in a pinch. If using canned, drain them very well and pat them dry to remove excess liquid before pre-cooking.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to the zucchini “noodles.” However, always double-check your pasta sauce label, as some brands may contain gluten-containing thickeners or ingredients.
đŞHow to Make Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and healthy zucchini lasagna that will impress everyone at your table.
PREP WORK: Before you begin layering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a standard 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure your lasagna releases easily.

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini “Noodles”. This is a crucial step for the texture of your lasagna. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended as it allows for incredibly uniform slices, approximately â inch (3 mm) thick. Consistent thickness ensures the zucchini cooks evenly and mimics pasta noodles beautifully. If you don’t have a mandoline, a very sharp chef’s knife can be used, but it will require more patience to achieve even, thin strips.
*See Video: How to cut zucchini with mandoline -skip to 0:53 for a visual guide.
*Optional Moisture Reduction: Zucchini contains a lot of water, which can make your lasagna watery. To minimize this, you have a couple of options:
- Salting Method: Lay the zucchini slices on paper towels and sprinkle them lightly with Kosher salt. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. The salt will draw out moisture. Then, pat the slices thoroughly dry with additional paper towels, which also helps remove most of the salt. This method is effective but adds a bit of sodium.
- Baking Method: Arrange the zucchini slices in a single layer on baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and pat dry with paper towels. This pre-cooking step also helps them become more pliable.
*Note: I often skip the salting/baking step if I’m watching my salt intake or short on time, as I don’t mind if the lasagna is slightly moist. If you slice your zucchini thin enough and pre-cook the mushrooms, excess water is generally not a significant issue. You can always drain any excess liquid that might accumulate after baking.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef and Onion. In a large pot or a deep, spacious skillet, brown the lean ground beef and chopped onion over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the ground beef is thoroughly browned and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, carefully drain any accumulated fat from the pan. This step is crucial for both flavor and to prevent a greasy lasagna.

Step 3: Pre-cook and Drain the Mushrooms. This step is vital to prevent a watery lasagna. Place the sliced mushrooms in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave for 3 minutes. After cooking, thoroughly drain any liquid released by the mushrooms. Mushrooms contain a high water content, and cooking them first significantly reduces the moisture they will add to your lasagna, ensuring a firmer, more desirable texture.

Step 4: Simmer the Meat Sauce. To the browned ground beef and onion, add the pre-cooked and drained mushrooms, your chosen pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it continue to simmer for 15 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Cheese and Spinach Filling. While the meat sauce simmers, prepare your luscious cheese filling. In a medium bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, reduced-fat Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the spinach is well integrated into the cheese mixture. If your cottage cheese seems particularly watery, you can drain it in a fine-mesh sieve for a few minutes before mixing to achieve a thicker filling. This helps maintain the structure of the lasagna and prevents it from becoming overly runny.

Step 6: Start Layering with Meat Sauce. With all your components ready, itâs time to assemble! Spread half of the savory meat sauce evenly across the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch lasagna pan. This initial layer prevents the zucchini from sticking and creates a flavorful base.

Step 7: Add the First Zucchini Layer. Carefully arrange a single layer of your thinly sliced zucchini strips over the meat sauce. Overlap the slices slightly, much like you would with traditional lasagna noodles, to ensure full coverage. If there are any small gaps or areas not completely covered by the main strips, simply add smaller zucchini pieces to fill them in. This ensures every bite has a tender “noodle.”

Step 8: Spread the Spinach and Cheese Mixture. Gently and evenly spread all of the prepared cottage cheese, Parmesan, and spinach mixture over the first layer of zucchini. Make sure it reaches all edges and covers the zucchini slices completely, creating a luscious, creamy layer.

Step 9: Add the Second Zucchini Layer. Place another layer of zucchini slices over the spinach and cheese mixture, again overlapping them slightly. Pay attention to covering any bare spots on the top or bottom edges with smaller zucchini pieces to maintain a consistent layering throughout the dish.

Step 10: Top with Remaining Meat Sauce. Carefully spread the remaining half of the meat sauce evenly over the second zucchini layer. Ensure the sauce covers the zucchini as much as possible for a beautiful, saucy top.

Step 11: Initial Baking (Covered). Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. For optimal heat reflection and even cooking, place the shiny side of the foil facing inwards towards the lasagna. Seal the edges securely to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 35 minutes. This initial covered bake allows the zucchini to soften and the flavors to meld without the cheese on top browning too quickly.

Step 12: Final Baking (Uncovered) & Broiling. After 35 minutes, carefully remove the lasagna from the oven and discard the aluminum foil. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is beautifully melted and bubbly, and a fork can easily pierce through the zucchini layers, indicating tenderness.
For that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly cheese crust, turn your oven to broil at 500°F (260°C). Place the lasagna under the broiler for just 1-2 minutes. *Important: Watch it very carefully! Broilers can brown things quickly, and cheese can burn in a matter of seconds. Remove once it reaches your desired golden hue.

Step 13: Rest Before Slicing. Once baked, resist the urge to cut into your lasagna immediately. Allow the dish to rest for about 10-15 minutes on a wire rack. This resting period is crucial; it allows the layers to set, the cheese to firm up slightly, and the liquids to redistribute, resulting in cleaner slices that hold their shape better.

Step 14: Garnish and Serve. Slice the lasagna into generous portions. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish each slice with a few fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your healthy, homemade Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna!
Expert Recipe Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Lasagna
Achieving a truly outstanding Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna requires attention to a few key details. These expert tips will help you master the recipe and ensure a delicious outcome every time:
- Use a Mandoline for Even Zucchini Slices: The consistency of your zucchini “noodles” is paramount. A mandoline slicer is the best tool for achieving uniform slices, approximately â inch (3 mm) thick. Even thickness ensures that all zucchini layers cook consistently, preventing some pieces from being too tough and others too soft, and overall improving the texture of your lasagna.
- Pre-cook Mushrooms to Prevent Excess Moisture: Mushrooms release a substantial amount of liquid when heated. If you add them raw to your lasagna, this liquid will seep into the dish during baking, potentially making your lasagna watery and soupy. Pre-cooking them in the microwave (as instructed) and thoroughly draining the liquid is a simple yet crucial step to maintain a desirable consistency.
- Salt or Bake Zucchini Slices Before Assembling (Optional but Recommended): Zucchini itself is quite watery. To further reduce moisture and prevent a runny lasagna, consider either lightly salting the slices and patting them dry (which draws out water through osmosis) or briefly baking them on parchment-lined sheets and then patting them dry. Both methods help remove excess liquid, resulting in a firmer, more structural lasagna.
- Drain Cottage Cheese if Using Regular Instead of Dry: Just like zucchini, cottage cheese can hold a fair amount of moisture. If using regular cottage cheese, especially if it appears watery, draining it in a fine-mesh sieve for 5-10 minutes before mixing with other ingredients can significantly improve the thickness and stability of your cheese filling. This simple step helps prevent your lasagna from becoming excessively runny.
- Let the Lasagna Rest Before Slicing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to lasagna. After baking, allow the lasagna to rest uncovered for at least 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the hot layers to set and the cheese and sauce to firm up slightly. Attempting to slice it too soon will result in messy, collapsed portions as the liquids haven’t had a chance to redistribute and stabilize.
- Use Extra Lean Ground Beef to Avoid Greasy Layers: High-fat ground beef can render a considerable amount of grease during cooking, which can pool in your lasagna and create an unpleasantly oily texture. Opt for extra lean ground beef (at least 90% lean) and always drain any fat after browning to ensure your lasagna is hearty but not greasy.
- Shiny Side of Foil In for Better Heat Reflection: When covering your baking dish with aluminum foil, ensure the shiny side faces inwards towards the food. The shiny surface is more reflective, helping to bounce heat back into the dish and promoting more even and efficient cooking during the initial covered bake.
- Broil at the End for a Golden Cheesy Top: A final quick broil is the secret to a beautifully golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese topping. However, broilers work very fast, so stay vigilant! Just 1-2 minutes under the broiler is usually sufficient to achieve a perfect finish. Do not walk away, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt in a blink.
- Use Fresh Spinach for Better Flavor and Texture: While frozen spinach is a viable alternative (with proper draining), fresh baby spinach offers a brighter flavor and more delicate texture that blends seamlessly into the creamy filling. Its smaller leaves are also easier to incorporate and donât require pre-chopping.
- Layer Zucchini Slightly Overlapping for Better Coverage: When arranging your zucchini “noodles,” ensure they overlap slightly. This technique mimics the coverage of traditional pasta noodles, creates a more robust structure for your lasagna, and prevents bare spots that might collapse or become too soft when sliced.
Essential Equipment for Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna
Having the right tools can make all the difference in preparing this Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna smoothly and efficiently. Here are the key pieces of equipment I recommend:
- Good Quality Mandoline: This is my top recommendation for achieving uniformly thin zucchini slices. An uneven slice thickness can lead to inconsistent cooking â some pieces too hard, others too soft â affecting the overall texture of your lasagna. After an impulse buy of a mediocre mandoline, I highly recommend investing in a reliable one like the Kyocera Advanced Ceramic Adjustable Mandoline Vegetable Slicer (affiliate link). It consistently receives high ratings for both function and value from expert reviews.
- Cutting Gloves: Mandolines are incredibly sharp, and safety should always be a priority. To protect your hands from potential cuts, especially when nearing the end of a vegetable, I strongly advise using cutting gloves (affiliate link). They provide an extra layer of protection and peace of mind.
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: A standard size lasagna pan is essential for assembling this dish. Choose a sturdy ceramic or glass dish for even heat distribution.
- Large Pot or Deep Skillet: You’ll need this for browning the ground beef and simmering the meat sauce. A large capacity ensures everything fits comfortably.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: For combining the cottage cheese, Parmesan, and spinach filling.

đĄď¸Storage & Freezing Instructions for Zucchini Lasagna
This Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna is an excellent make-ahead meal, and it stores and freezes beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness long after it’s cooked.
Storing Leftovers:
Allow any leftover lasagna to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Once cooled, transfer the lasagna into an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Freezing for Later:
This lasagna is a freezer-friendly dream! You can freeze it either baked or unbaked. For freezing, ensure the lasagna is completely cooled if already baked. Wrap the entire baking dish tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Alternatively, transfer individual portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months without compromising quality.
TO REHEAT (from frozen):
I highly recommend this casserole reheating technique (adapted from UnoCasa) for any casserole, as it effectively prevents the dish from drying out while reheating:
- Defrosting: For best results, plan ahead and remove the lasagna from the freezer the night before. Let it defrost slowly in the refrigerator. Ideally, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour before placing it in the oven for more even reheating.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove any plastic wrap from the defrosted lasagna. If reheating in the original baking dish, tightly seal it with aluminum foil (shiny side in, to reflect heat) to lock in moisture. Place it in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed through to the center.
- Optional Broil: If you desire a fresh, bubbly, and slightly crispy cheese topping, you can remove the foil for the final 2 minutes of reheating and briefly broil it. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
đ˘WW Points Information
For those following the Weight Watchers program, this Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna is an excellent, points-friendly option. Since zucchini noodles are 0 points, this recipe is incredibly diet-compatible, typically coming in at a satisfying 4 WW points per slice.
Tips to Lighten it up Even More: To further reduce the Weight Watchers points and make this lasagna even leaner, consider these simple modifications:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef: Opt for the absolute leanest ground beef available (e.g., 96% lean or higher) to minimize fat content and corresponding points.
- Fat-Free Cottage Cheese: Substitute regular cottage cheese with a fat-free version.
- Fat-Free Parmesan Cheese: Use fat-free Parmesan cheese in your filling.
** Remember that Classico Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce is often a low-point choice, typically counting as 1 point per ½ cup, making it a great base for your sauce.
đĽÂ What to Serve with Zucchini Lasagna with Meat
This hearty Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh, light sides that complement its rich flavors and contribute to a balanced dinner. Here are some ideal accompaniments:
- Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad is the perfect counterpoint to the lasagna’s richness. I highly recommend my Kale Salad with Cranberries and Feta, which offers a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Alternatively, an Asparagus and Tomato Salad (with Feta) provides a refreshing, vibrant side with tender vegetables and a zesty dressing.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: For those who aren’t strictly low-carb, a classic side of warm, crusty garlic bread or soft Italian breadsticks can be incredibly satisfying for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Low-Carb Bread Alternatives: If you’re maintaining a low-carb diet, consider serving this lasagna with a lighter, low-carb bread option such as WW Cloud Bread. It provides a similar satisfying texture without the added carbs.
- Simple Steamed Vegetables: A side of simply steamed green beans, broccoli, or sautĂŠed asparagus can enhance the meal with additional nutrients and a light, fresh crunch.

Top Tip: Creative Uses for Leftover Zucchini
If you’ve bought extra zucchini or found a surplus in your garden, don’t let it go to waste! Zucchini is incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ideas for using up any leftover zucchini:
- Freeze Shredded Zucchini: A quick and easy way to preserve zucchini is to shred it using a food processor or a box grater, then freeze it in airtight bags or containers. This frozen shredded zucchini is perfect for adding to future recipes.
- Enhance Soups: Add frozen shredded zucchini directly to your favorite soups as a healthy, almost undetectable filler. It’s particularly delicious in hearty stews like my Hamburger Potato Soup, where it adds nutrients and a tender texture without altering the flavor profile significantly.
- Boost Pasta Sauces: Stir shredded zucchini into meat sauces or marinara for an extra dose of vegetables and fiber. It blends in seamlessly, making it ideal for picky eaters. Try adding it to my Secret Ingredient Spaghetti Sauce for a nutritional boost.
- Bake Sweet Treats: Zucchiniâs mild flavor makes it excellent for baking. It adds moisture and nutrients to muffins, bread, and cookies. Consider making delicious Zucchini Chocolate Chip Cookies or even a savory zucchini bread for a tasty snack.


âFAQs About Zucchini Lasagna
A watery zucchini lasagna is a common concern, but it’s usually preventable. The main culprits are vegetables that release a lot of moisture during baking. Hereâs why and what you can do:
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms are notorious for releasing water. This is precisely why our recipe instructs you to pre-cook and thoroughly drain them before adding them to the meat sauce. Skipping this step is a primary cause of excess liquid.
- Thick Zucchini Slices: If your zucchini “noodles” are too thick (e.g., Âź inch or more), they retain more water and won’t cook down as tenderly. Aim for thin slices (â inch) which cook faster and release less water.
- Undrained Zucchini: Zucchini itself is mostly water. To significantly reduce moisture, you can pre-treat your zucchini slices:
- Salting: Lay slices on paper towels, sprinkle with Kosher salt, let sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out moisture, then pat thoroughly dry with more paper towels (this also helps remove excess salt).
- Baking: Arrange slices on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes. Pat dry once removed from the oven.
- Watery Cottage Cheese: If your cottage cheese is very wet, it will contribute to the lasagna’s moisture content. You can drain your cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve for 5-10 minutes before mixing it into the filling, or opt for dry cottage cheese (Farmer’s cheese) which naturally has less liquid.
For the best results, zucchini “noodles” for lasagna should be sliced very thin, ideally around â inch (3 mm) thick. This thickness is crucial because it allows the zucchini to soften properly during baking, making it more noodle-like in texture, and significantly reduces the amount of water it releases. Thicker slices (e.g., Âź inch) will retain more water, might not become as tender, and can make your lasagna watery. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving consistent, ultra-thin slices.
While a mandoline is ideal for uniform, thin slices, you can absolutely make zucchini lasagna without one. A very sharp chef’s knife or a vegetable peeler (for very thin, wide ribbons) can also work effectively. The key is to aim for slices that are as consistently thin as possible, about â inch (3 mm) thick. Take your time and be careful when using a knife. If slices are too thick, they may not soften properly, and if they’re too thin, they can become mushy or fall apart easily.
Yes, absolutely! Assembling and freezing the lasagna before baking is a fantastic way to meal prep. To do this, prepare the lasagna as directed up to Step 10 (before the initial bake). Once assembled in its baking dish, wrap it very tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Ensure itâs airtight to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, you can either thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bake it directly from frozen. If baking from frozen, remove the plastic wrap, cover it tightly with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 60-75 minutes, then uncover for the last 15-20 minutes to add the mozzarella and allow it to brown, following the instructions from Step 12 onwards.
If you’re searching for a delicious, healthy, and low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes, this Zucchini Ground Beef Lasagna with its rich meat sauce and creamy filling is guaranteed to be a new family favorite!
More Zucchini Recipes You’ll Love
- Chocolate Blender Zucchini Bread
- Zucchini Crisp Recipe (with Shredded Zucchini)
- Healthy Chocolate Chip Zucchini Drop Cookies
- Chocolate Weight Watchers Zucchini Muffins
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đGround Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
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dinner, main
Italian
Weight Watchers, Low-Carb
12
servings
244
kcal
Terri Gilson
20 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
5 minutes
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Equipment
-
mandoline -
cutting gloves -
9X13 lasagna pan
Ingredients
-
4
medium zucchinis or 2 large
sliced thinly lengthwise -
21
oz
* pasta sauce
(or 640 ml or about 2 ž cups) -
2
lbs
lean ground beef -
1
teaspoon
Italian seasoning -
ž
cup
low-fat cottage cheese -
4
cloves
garlic, minced -
2 ½
cups
fresh baby spinach -
2
cups
partly skimmed mozzarella cheese, shredded
(about a 400 g package) -
1.5
cups
reduced-fat parmesan cheese -
1
small
onion, chopped -
1.5
cups
sliced mushrooms
(227 g package)
Garnish (optional)
-
fresh basil leaves -
additional parmesan cheese
Metric
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips, about â inch or 3 mm thick.
*Optional moisture reduction: Lay slices on paper towels, sprinkle with Kosher salt, let sit 10 min, then pat dry. Or bake on parchment paper at 375F for 10 min, then pat dry.
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Brown ground beef and onion in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat until 165°F (74°C). Drain any fat.
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Cook mushrooms in 1 tablespoon water for 3 minutes in microwave and drain thoroughly.
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Add the mushrooms, pasta sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic to the ground beef. Simmer for 15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
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Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Mix well. *Drain cottage cheese beforehand if it seems watery.
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Spread half of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom of the prepared lasagna pan.
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Place zucchini strips in a single layer over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Fill any gaps with smaller zucchini pieces.
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Spread the spinach and cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini, ensuring complete coverage.
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Add another overlapping single layer of zucchini slices over the spinach cheese mixture, covering all bare spots.
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Spread the remaining meat sauce on top of the second zucchini layer as evenly as possible.
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Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side in) and bake for 35 minutes.
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Remove from oven, discard foil. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and zucchini is tender.
Broil at 500°F (260°C) for 1-2 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Allow lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for even zucchini slices: Consistent thickness ensures even cooking.
- Pre-cook mushrooms to prevent excess moisture: Raw mushrooms release too much liquid, making lasagna watery.
- Salt or bake zucchini slices before assembling: This helps draw out moisture for a firmer lasagna.
- Drain cottage cheese if using regular: Removes excess liquid for a thicker filling.
- Let the lasagna rest before slicing: Allows layers to set, making clean slices easier.
- Use extra lean ground beef: Prevents greasy layers and pooling fat.
- Shiny side of foil in: Reflects heat for more even baking.
- Broil at the end for a golden cheesy top: Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh spinach for better flavor and texture: Blends more seamlessly into the filling.
- Layer zucchini slightly overlapping: Ensures better coverage and structure.
Storage & Freezing:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat from Frozen: Defrost overnight in the fridge. Allow to reach room temperature for 30-60 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover tightly with foil (shiny side in), and bake for 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Optional: broil for 2 minutes uncovered at the end for a bubbly top.
Nutrition
Serving:
1
slice
|
Calories:
244
kcal
(12%)
|
Carbohydrates:
13
g
(4%)
|
Protein:
30
g
(60%)
|
Fat:
8
g
(12%)
|
Saturated Fat:
4
g
(25%)
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.5
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.3
g
|
Cholesterol:
62
mg
(21%)
|
Sodium:
714
mg
(31%)
|
Potassium:
761
mg
(22%)
|
Fiber:
2
g
(8%)
|
Sugar:
5
g
(6%)
|
Vitamin A:
1051
IU
(21%)
|
Vitamin C:
18
mg
(22%)
|
Calcium:
296
mg
(30%)
|
Iron:
4
mg
(22%)
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