Lasagna lovers, get ready for a game-changing twist on your favorite comfort food! These Lasagna Zucchini Boats offer all the cheesy, meaty goodness of traditional lasagna but with a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative to pasta. If you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy lasagna without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is the perfect solution.
Zucchini boats have become a popular way to enjoy classic dishes in a lighter, more nutritious way. By swapping out lasagna noodles for hollowed-out zucchini, you cut down on carbs while still maintaining that satisfying, hearty texture. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich meat sauce, gooey cheese, and tender zucchini, making it a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.
This recipe is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, but even pasta lovers will adore this dish! The natural sweetness of the zucchini pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the tomato-based meat sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Not only is this a healthy alternative, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. No need for layering noodles or worrying about a complicated baking process—simply scoop out the zucchini, fill them with a flavorful meat sauce, top with cheese, and bake to perfection.
Lasagna Zucchini Boats are also a great way to sneak more vegetables into your meals without compromising on taste. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a side, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family.
They’re also perfect for meal prep! You can assemble them in advance and bake them when needed, making them an excellent option for busy weeknights. Plus, they store and reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers that taste just as good the next day.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and nutritious, these Lasagna Zucchini Boats are a must-try. Get ready to enjoy all the rich flavors of lasagna in a fresh, new way!
Servings
- Serves: 4
Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating a hollow boat shape. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Arrange zucchini halves in the baking dish. Fill each with a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy Lasagna Zucchini Boats!
Tips for the Best Lasagna Zucchini Boats
- Don’t over-scoop the zucchini—leave some flesh intact so the boats hold their shape.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or lentils instead of ground beef.
- Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to eat.
Summary
These Lasagna Zucchini Boats offer all the rich, cheesy, and meaty flavors of classic lasagna but in a low-carb, veggie-forward way. Tender zucchini halves are filled with a savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, then baked to perfection. This easy, healthy meal is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious comfort food without the guilt!
Lasagna Zucchini Boats Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Slice zucchinis in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the center, creating a hollow boat shape. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Arrange zucchini halves in the baking dish. Fill each with a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until zucchini is tender and cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and healthy Lasagna Zucchini Boats!
Notes
- Don’t over-scoop the zucchini—leave some flesh intact so the boats hold their shape.
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the sauce.
- Make it vegetarian by using mushrooms or lentils instead of ground beef.
- Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready to eat.