articles

Healthier Cooking: How to Make a Delicious Pasta-Free Lasagna

Zucchini strips replace the noodles in this delicious lasagna

By Leticia Noyola, publisher of Macaroni Kid Central Bakersfield May 7, 2019

We have been trying to add more vegetables to our family meals, and sometimes it takes a bit of creativity! 

Our latest attempt was a huge success: A pasta-free zucchini lasagna that my kids love! 

Lasagna is a favorite at our house. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and it never lasts long enough for there to even be leftovers. It is one of our go-to recipes and we make it almost weekly. Finding a way to make this delicious dinner healthier was a challenge, but zucchini definitely rose to the occasion. The best part about this? If you already have a favorite lasagna recipe, just substitute zucchini for the noodles and you're set! 

Here is how we made ours:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground hamburger or turkey
  • 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes (15 oz)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
  • 3-4 whole zucchini (sliced thinly)
  • 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 c parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. Slice zucchini into long slices.

2. Brown hamburger with a little oil.

3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and garlic to the hamburger.

4. Layer, in a 9x13 pan, zucchini, tomato mixture, and finally the mozzarella cheese. Do this twice.

5. Add parmesan cheese on top.

6. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.

I have found that I do tend to eat a little more when it is zucchini instead of noodles because without the pasta it isn't quite as filling. For my family of four, this is perfect, but if you have a large family consider doubling the recipe.

Have you looked at your favorite family meals to consider how you can incorporate more vegetables into the menu? I bet you can find lots of ways to sneak in veggies that are sure to be a healthy hit for everyone!