Zucchini Lasagna Bites!

Zucchini Lasagna Bites (Keto & High Protein)

Enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in perfectly portioned, low-carb bites! These make a great weeknight meal, side dish, or meal prep component.

Yields: 12 bites (using a standard 12-cup muffin tin) Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 or 99/1 recommended)
• 2 medium zucchinis (about 1.5 pounds total), washed and thinly sliced lengthwise
• 1 cup Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce (or other low-carb, no-added-sugar marinara)
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for the turkey)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional, for the turkey)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray

Equipment:

• Large skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• Standard 12-cup muffin tin

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain any excess grease. Season the cooked turkey with optional garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Prepare Zucchini: Thinly slice the zucchinis lengthwise into uniform pieces, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer works best for this.
4. Assemble the Bites:
   • Place one slice of zucchini into each muffin cup, forming a “cup” or lining the bottom and sides. You might need to overlap slightly.
   • Add a spoonful (about 1-2 tablespoons) of the seasoned ground turkey over the zucchini.
   • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of Rao’s marinara sauce over the turkey.
   • Place a second slice of zucchini on top of the sauce layer.
   • Generously top with shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons per cup).
5. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the zucchini is tender-crisp.
6. Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before carefully removing with a small spoon or offset spatula.
7. Enjoy! Serve hot.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein source, and the mozzarella cheese adds additional protein, making these bites very satisfying.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. By using zucchini instead of traditional pasta, you dramatically reduce the carbohydrate content. Rao’s marinara sauce is known for being low in sugar and carbs.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly.
  • Ground Turkey: Naturally keto.
  • Zucchini: A staple low-carb vegetable for keto.
  • Rao’s Marinara Sauce: This is an excellent choice for keto as it’s specifically formulated without added sugar and is very low in net carbs. Always double-check the label of any marinara sauce.
  • Shredded Mozzarella: Keto-friendly cheese.