No Noodles Lasagne
No Noodles Lasagne features tender zucchini slices layered with savory veal sauce and cheeses, offering a low-carb, flavorful twist perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. corn oil ⓘ
- 9 oz. ground veal ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 c. canned whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 1 packet instant beef broth and seasoning mix ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried onion flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. ground allspice ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 6 medium zucchini ⓘ
- 1 1/3 c. part-skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- To prepare the sauce, heat corn oil in a large nonstick skillet.
- Add ground veal and crushed garlic; sauté until veal loses its pink color.
- Stir in chopped canned tomatoes, tomato paste, water, beef broth seasoning, onion flakes, basil, oregano, salt, allspice, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- While the sauce is cooking, steam the whole zucchini for 5 minutes.
- Let the zucchini cool, then cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch slices.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 12 x 8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Layer sauce, zucchini slices, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, beginning and ending with sauce.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider browning the veal with some chopped onions and bell peppers. You can substitute the ground veal with ground turkey or beef if preferred. If you want extra creaminess, mix some grated Parmesan into the ricotta. To save time, you can use pre-sliced zucchini or even try using eggplant slices for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
This No Noodles Lasagne pairs beautifully with a light side salad, such as a Pepperoni And Broccoli Salad, to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a simple green salad can also complement the meal well. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If it's too dry, add a splash of water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Noodles Lasagne contains roughly 95 calories, with 6g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1021mg per serving (44% 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 make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and layer the lasagna up to a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it just before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely and saves time on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I use instead of zucchini?
If you're not a fan of zucchini, you can use thinly sliced eggplant or even bell peppers as a noodle substitute. Both options will add a different texture and flavor to your lasagna while still keeping it low-carb and delicious.
Can I freeze the No Noodles Lasagne?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you're ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. It can be frozen for up to three months.
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).