If you love the cheesy, meaty goodness of lasagna but want a lighter, low-carb option, my Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna is a must-try! This healthy take on the classic swaps traditional noodles for zucchini, delivering all the delicious flavors you crave—without the guilt or the gluten.
WHAT IS ZUCCHINI & GROUND TURKEY LASAGNA?
This low-carb, flavor-packed twist on a classic Italian dish is a healthier, veggie-loaded masterpiece waiting to be discovered! Ground Turkey & Zucchini Lasagna delivers all the rich, comforting flavors you love but happens to be gluten-free and loaded with fresh vegetables.
Instead of traditional carb-heavy pasta, we use thin, crisp zucchini slices as the perfect noodle substitute. These zucchini “noodles” create a light and refreshing base for the layers of hearty flavors we’re about to build.
The dish swaps out pork sausage for lean, savory ground turkey. Combined with marinara sauce, this creates a bold, bolognese-inspired filling that’s brimming with those signature Italian flavors.
We’re also giving ricotta a modern twist by substituting cottage cheese. This change may feel nostalgic for those who lived through the low-fat craze of the ’90s, but it’s a total game-changer—delivering the creamy texture of ricotta while boosting protein and cutting calories.
Of course, no lasagna is complete without a cheesy topping, so don’t worry—there’s still plenty of gooey mozzarella and nutty parmesan to tie it all together.
In the end, you have a hearty, satisfying lasagna with layers of rich, meaty sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh zucchini that’s so good, you’ll be going back for seconds (or thirds!).
WHAT DOES IT TASTE LIKE?
Imagine your tastebuds taking a trip through the Italian countryside without leaving your kitchen. The first bite delivers the bold, savory notes of ground turkey, simmered in a tangy, herb-infused marinara sauce that feels like a hug from an old-world trattoria.
Then comes the creaminess of cottage cheese—its tangy, slightly milky flavor blends seamlessly with the richness of the turkey, creating a velvety texture that’s unexpectedly delightful. The melted parmesan and mozzarella provide a luscious, cheesy symphony that’s indulgent yet balanced, with a hint of black pepper adding a subtle kick.
And then there’s the zucchini. These delicate, fresh noodles add a garden-fresh sweetness and a light crunch that perfectly contrasts with the rich, hearty layers. It’s the element that keeps the dish from feeling heavy, making every bite both satisfying and refreshing.
To finish, the basil steps in as the star’s final bow—a burst of aromatic brightness that ties the flavors together with a hint of Mediterranean charm.
Each forkful offers a new layer of flavor, a delightful interplay of creamy, savory, and fresh that keeps you coming back for more. This low-carb turkey zucchini lasagna is more than a meal—it’s an experience your tastebuds won’t forget!
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 24 oz marinara sauce, divided
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 lbs zucchini (about 3–4), sliced into ¼-inch-thick slices
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare the Oven and Meat Sauce: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium skillet, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain any excess grease, then stir in all but 1 cup of the marinara sauce to create a rich meat sauce. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, parmesan, 1 cup of mozzarella, egg, black pepper, and chopped basil. Mix well and set aside.
Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread the reserved 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of zucchini slices on top of the sauce.
- Spoon half of the meat sauce over the zucchini, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with half of the cottage cheese mixture, spreading it over the meat sauce.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of zucchini, followed by the remaining meat sauce and cottage cheese mixture. Finish with a final layer of zucchini slices and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
Bake the Lasagna: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. For a golden, bubbly cheese topping, broil the lasagna for the last 2–3 minutes.
Serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy this flavorful, low-carb twist on a classic Italian favorite!
