Keto Zucchini Lasagna

Keto Zucchini Lasagna

A hearty, low-carb twist on classic lasagna where thin-sliced zucchini replaces pasta noodles. Layered with savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and bubbling mozzarella, this keto-friendly bake delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the carbs. Perfect for the whole family — nobody will miss the noodles.

6 servings · Prep 30 min · Cook 55 min · Total 85 min

Italian · Dinner · Main Course

Zucchini Preparation

  • 4 medium zucchini sliced lengthwise into 1/8-inch planks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt for drawing out moisture

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 0.5 lb sweet Italian sausage casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1.5 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Ricotta Filling

  • 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Main

  • 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Paper Towel
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Mandoline
  • Baking Dish (7 x 7)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Slice @[Zucchini] lengthwise into thin planks, about ~[1/8-inch thick] (a #[Mandoline] makes this easy and uniform). Lay the slices in a single layer on paper towels, sprinkle both sides with @[Kosher Salt], and let them sit for ~[15 minutes]. Pat thoroughly dry with more paper towels — removing as much moisture as possible is the key to avoiding a watery lasagna.
  2. Heat @[Olive Oil] in a large #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat]. Add the diced @[Yellow Onion] and cook for ~[3–4 minutes] until softened. Add the @[Garlic] and cook ~[1 minute] more. Add the @[Lean Ground Beef] and @[Sweet Italian Sausage], breaking up the meat with a spoon, and cook until browned and no pink remains, about ~[8 minutes]. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the @[Crushed Tomatoes], @[Tomato Paste], @[Dried Basil], and @[Italian Seasoning]. Reduce heat to ^[medium-low] and simmer for ~[15 minutes], stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with @[Salt] and @[Black Pepper] to taste.
  3. In a #[Mixing Bowl], combine the @[Ricotta Cheese], @[Egg], chopped @[Parsley], and @[Black Pepper]. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
  4. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![375°F]. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch #[Baking Dish]. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Lay a single layer of @[Zucchini] planks over the sauce, slightly overlapping. Spread half the @[Ricotta Cheese] mixture over the zucchini, then top with one-third of the remaining meat sauce and one-third of the @[Mozzarella Cheese]. Repeat the layers (zucchini → ricotta → meat sauce → mozzarella) once more. Finish with a final layer of @[Zucchini], the remaining meat sauce, remaining @[Mozzarella Cheese], and all the @[Parmesan Cheese] on top.
  5. Cover the #[Baking Dish] tightly with #[Aluminum Foil] and bake at ![375°F] for ~[30 minutes]. Remove the foil and bake for an additional ~[20–25 minutes], until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the edges are lightly caramelized. Remove from the #[Oven] and let the lasagna rest uncovered for at least ~[15 minutes] before slicing — this helps it set and prevents it from falling apart.