Gardener'S Lasagna
A wholesome vegetarian lasagna featuring tender zucchini slices layered with cottage cheese, tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for a comforting, low-carb meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place zucchini slices in an 11 3/4 x 7 1/2 x 1 3/4-inch baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap.
- Microwave on High for 11 minutes.
- Drain the zucchini slices.
- Place ground beef and minced garlic in a 1-quart casserole.
- Microwave on High for 6 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef.
- Stir in tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and salt if desired.
- Mix cottage cheese, beaten egg, and parsley together.
- Layer zucchini slices, beef mixture, cottage cheese mixture, Parmesan cheese, Mozzarella cheese, and bread crumbs alternately in the baking dish.
- Cover with waxed paper.
- Microwave on Medium-high for 15 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. Consider adding layers of sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition. To prevent excess moisture from the zucchini, ensure you drain them well after microwaving. This dish can be prepared in advance and makes for a great meal prep option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Gardener's Lasagna with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil can elevate the dish even further. This lasagna pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring fresh vegetables or hearty meat dishes like French Meatballs And Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Gardener's Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, microwave in short intervals to ensure even heating, or place in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gardener'S Lasagna contains roughly 1217 calories, with 43g protein, 201g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1358mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed, especially if using more watery vegetables.
Is it possible to make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just increase the cooking time slightly if baking from cold.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute. You can also add lentils or beans for protein, making it a hearty vegetarian option that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).