Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

There’s something truly comforting about a homemade lasagna. The layers of rich sauce, creamy cheese, and hearty filling make it a dish that brings people together, whether for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. But what if we could enjoy all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna with a lighter, healthier twist? Enter Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey—a delicious, low-carb alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

This dish swaps traditional pasta for thin slices of fresh zucchini, making it a perfect choice for those looking to cut back on carbs while still indulging in a satisfying meal. The ground turkey adds a lean yet flavorful protein, while a blend of cheeses creates that irresistible, creamy texture we all love in lasagna. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, gluten-free diet, or just looking for a fresh take on an Italian classic, this zucchini lasagna is sure to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – A great alternative to traditional pasta-based lasagna without sacrificing taste.
• Packed with Flavor – The seasoned ground turkey and rich tomato sauce give this dish a deep, hearty flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• A Healthier Comfort Food – All the cheesy, saucy goodness of lasagna but with a lighter, fresher twist.
• Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables or tweak the seasonings to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Zucchini Layers

• 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 teaspoon salt (to remove excess moisture)

For the Turkey Sauce

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For the Cheese Filling

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Topping

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

How to Make Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini

Since zucchini contains a lot of water, it’s important to remove as much moisture as possible to avoid a soggy lasagna. Start by slicing the zucchinis lengthwise into thin strips, about ⅛ inch thick. Lay them out on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This helps draw out excess water. Afterward, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove the moisture.

For extra firmness, you can quickly grill or bake the zucchini slices at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes before assembling the lasagna.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Once fully cooked, drain any excess liquid. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Next, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. If the sauce seems too watery, let it cook a little longer until it thickens.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, and dried parsley. Stir until well blended. This creamy mixture will add that classic lasagna texture without being too heavy.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

Now for the fun part—layering! In a baking dish (9×13 inches works well), start by spreading a thin layer of the turkey sauce at the bottom. Then, add a layer of zucchini slices, slightly overlapping them. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, followed by another layer of turkey sauce. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of turkey sauce on top.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top to create that golden, melty cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and prevents it from falling apart when serving.

Helpful Tips

• Prevent Sogginess – Pre-salting and patting the zucchini dry is crucial for avoiding excess moisture in the lasagna. You can also grill or bake the slices for extra firmness.
• Use a Mandoline Slicer – For even, thin zucchini slices, a mandoline slicer works wonders. If cutting by hand, try to keep the slices uniform.
• Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the layers firm up, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart.
• Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Notes

• Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
• You can swap out ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you prefer a slightly lighter filling.
• Feel free to add chopped spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna and store it in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.

Can I Freeze Zucchini Lasagna?

Yes! Assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey, here are a few more healthy and delicious recipes to try:

• The Best Stuffed Shells with Ground Beef
• Creamy Polenta with Poached Eggs

Conclusion

This Zucchini Lasagna with Ground Turkey is proof that comfort food can be both delicious and healthy. With tender zucchini slices, a flavorful turkey sauce, and layers of creamy cheese, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping meals ahead, this lasagna is a satisfying and nutritious option the whole family will love.

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