Zucchini Lasagna Skillet (Print Version)

A satisfying low-carb skillet with layers of zucchini, ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meats

04 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Dairy

05 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauce & Canned Goods

08 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
09 - 2 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
12 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Oils

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Incorporate crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to marry flavors.
04 - Arrange half of the zucchini ribbons atop the meat sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta evenly over the zucchini, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella and a portion of the Parmesan cheese.
05 - Repeat layering with the remaining zucchini ribbons, ricotta, and another third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
06 - Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 10 minutes or until the zucchini softens.
07 - For a golden cheese crust, place the skillet under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately while hot.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like lasagna night without the guilt or the carb coma afterward.
  • One skillet means one cleanup, which honestly matters on a Tuesday.
  • It comes together in under an hour but looks like you actually planned something.
  • The cheese gets gloriously melted and slightly browned if you're bold enough for the broiler step.
02 -
  • Zucchini releases water as it cooks, so don't be alarmed if there's liquid in the skillet—it reabsorbs and the dish ends up creamy rather than soggy if you don't cook it past that ten-minute mark.
  • Ricotta and mozzarella melt at different temperatures, which is why layering them separately instead of mixing them keeps the texture from becoming gluey.
03 -
  • Room-temperature ricotta spreads far more smoothly than cold ricotta straight from the fridge, so pull it out while you're building the sauce.
  • If your skillet doesn't have an oven-safe handle or lid, cover it loosely with foil instead of risking melted plastic in your dinner.
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