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Healthy Hidden Veggie Zucchini Lasagna Recipe with Turkey Meat Sauce

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A wholesome and delicious zucchini lasagna that swaps traditional noodles for zucchini slices and uses lean turkey meat sauce, perfect for a healthy comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup finely shredded carrots
  • 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red or orange)
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch strips
  • Salt, for sweating zucchini
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Slice zucchini lengthwise into 1/8-inch strips. Lay them on paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and let sit for 15 minutes to sweat out excess water. Pat dry thoroughly.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  4. Stir in shredded carrots and chopped bell peppers, cook for another 4-5 minutes until softened.
  5. Pour in marinara sauce, sprinkle dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if sauce thickens too much.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Spread a thin layer of turkey meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  9. Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
  10. Spoon half of the cheese mixture evenly over the zucchini layer.
  11. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  12. Add another layer of turkey meat sauce, followed by zucchini slices.
  13. Spread the remaining cheese mixture and top with another third of mozzarella.
  14. Finish with a final layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  15. Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  16. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  17. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Sweating the zucchini slices before layering is essential to prevent watery lasagna. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to set the layers for easier slicing. Use a mandoline for uniform zucchini slices or a sharp knife if unavailable. For dairy-free or vegetarian versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: zucchini lasagna, healthy lasagna, turkey meat sauce, low carb lasagna, hidden veggies, gluten-free lasagna, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/healthy-hidden-veggie-zucchini-lasagna-recipe-with-turkey-meat-sauce-easy-and-delicious/