Description
This Easy Zucchini Lasagna Loaf is a delightful low-carb twist on traditional lasagna, featuring thinly sliced zucchini layers combined with creamy ricotta, savory marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection in a loaf pan for easy serving.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium zucchinis (sliced into thin rounds)
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauces and Oils
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna loaf.
- Prepare the zucchini: Slice the zucchinis into thin rounds. Sprinkle salt on the slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat the slices dry thoroughly with a paper towel to prevent sogginess.
- Mix the ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, mixing until smooth and evenly seasoned.
- Assemble the loaf: Grease a loaf pan with olive oil. Start by layering zucchini slices evenly at the bottom. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini, then add a layer of marinara sauce followed by a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake covered: Cover the loaf pan with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cook through.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top turns golden brown and bubbly, indicating it is perfectly cooked.
- Cool and serve: Take the lasagna loaf out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Slice into portions and serve warm, optionally garnished with fresh basil or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra flavor, drizzle some olive oil on top before serving or sprinkle fresh basil or Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms or spinach to enrich the dish and make the lasagna loaf heartier.
