Savory & Cheesy Keto Zucchini Lasagna Boats (Comforting & Low-Carb!)
Enjoy all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the heavy carbs with these Savory & Cheesy Keto Zucchini Lasagna Boats! Tender zucchini “boats” are filled with a creamy ricotta mixture, topped with savory seasoned meat and sugar-free marinara, then baked until bubbly with a golden mozzarella topping. These individual portions are satisfying, easy to make, and a delightful addition to your health journey – perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner right here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 4 servings (2 zucchini, 2 halves per serving) Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 35-40 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini (about 8-10 inches long), washed
- 1 pound ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage (bulk or removed from casings)
- 1 cup keto-friendly marinara sauce (e.g., Rao’s Homemade Marinara; KETO NOTE: Check labels for no added sugar)
- ½ cup full-fat Ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste (for zucchini and ricotta mixture)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste (for zucchini and ricotta mixture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for preparing zucchini)
- Cooking spray (for baking dish)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Small spoon or melon baller (for scooping zucchini)
- Large skillet (for browning meat)
- Medium mixing bowl (for ricotta mixture)
- Foil
Instructions:
- Prep Zucchini Boats: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the fleshy center and seeds, leaving about a ¼-inch thick shell. Be careful not to go all the way through the bottom.
- Lightly brush the inside and outside of the zucchini boats with olive oil. Sprinkle the inside of the zucchini boats lightly with salt and pepper.
- Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place the prepared zucchini boats cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Brown Meat & Add Marinara: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausageover medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the keto-friendly marinara sauce with the cooked meat. Let it simmer gently over low heat while you prepare the ricotta filling.
- Prepare Ricotta Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Ricotta cheese, egg, fresh parsley, ¼ cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the Parmesan cheese. Stir well until thoroughly combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
- Assemble Lasagna Boats:
- Spoon the Ricotta cheese mixture evenly into each zucchini boat.
- Next, spoon the seasoned meat and marinara mixture over the ricotta layer in each boat.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- Bake Initial: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Final Bake: Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil.
- Top the zucchini boats generously with the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 5-10 more minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Choose Zucchini Wisely: Medium-sized zucchini (not too thin, not too thick) work best for holding the filling.
- Don’t Overcook Zucchini Initially: The first bake with foil helps steam the zucchini until tender, but removing the foil prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Keto Marinara: This is crucial! Most jarred marinara sauces contain a lot of added sugar. Rao’s is a popular and widely available keto-friendly brand. Always check the nutrition label.
- Meat Choice: Ground beef, turkey, or Italian sausage all work well. Italian sausage will add more fat and flavor.
- Drain Meat: Ensure you drain any excess grease from your browned meat before adding the marinara.
- Seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of garlic powder or dried oregano to the meat mixture for extra “lasagna” flavor.
- Serving: These are a complete meal on their own, but a simple side salad would complement them well.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Keto Zucchini Lasagna Boats are a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Protein: Yes, from the ground meat, ricotta, egg, and cheeses.
- High Fat: Yes, from the ground meat, ricotta, and cheeses.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb by using zucchini as the “noodles” and keto-friendly marinara.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided the marinara sauce is sugar-free and low-carb. All other ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.