Healthy Family Dinner - Zucchini Boats

Ingredients

• 4 medium Zucchini (washed, ends trimmed)
• 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean preferred)
• 2 cups Marinara Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
• 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, drained)
• 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
• 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tsp Salt (plus extra for zucchini)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (dried blend)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the ingredients.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 375°F

2. Slice Zucchini

   Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/8‑inch thick sheets.

   Time: PT10M

3. Remove Excess Moisture

   Lay the zucchini slices on a layer of paper towels, sprinkle both sides with ½ tsp salt, and let sit for 10 minutes. Then pat dry with fresh paper towels.

   Time: PT10M

4. Prepare Meat Sauce

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, pour in marinara sauce, add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then simmer 10 minutes.

   Time: PT24M

5. Mix Ricotta Filling

   In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese, eggs, half of the shredded mozzarella, half of the grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

6. Assemble Lasagna

   Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer zucchini slices over the sauce, then spread half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with sauce, zucchini, and ricotta. Finish with a final layer of sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

   Time: PT10M

7. First Bake (Covered)

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 375°F

8. Second Bake (Uncovered)

   Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

   Time: PT15M

   Temperature: 375°F

9. Rest Before Serving

   Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set.

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

22g

Carbohydrates

12g

Fat

22g

Fiber

3g