VEGGIE (AND MEAT!) LASAGNA

Veggie (and meat!) Lasagna image

Healthy version of a classic Italian lasagna - low carbs, low calories, gluten-free, but incredibly high in flavor!!

Provided by Myra Wynne

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 medium zucchini
MEAT & VEGGIE SAUCE
1 medium onion, diced
1 lb ground chuck, cooked and drained
1 1/2 c black olives, sliced
1 c mushrooms, fresh, sliced
2 can(s) tomatoes, canned italian-style and diced, drained
8 oz spinach, frozen
CHEESE FILLING
12 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 c mozzarella cheese, shredded - divided
1 c parmesan cheese, shredded - divided

Steps:

1. Slice zucchini lengthwise into thin "lasagna style" noodles. Layer between paper towels, blot until moisture is absorbed. Leave on paper towels until needed.
2. Add to cooked and drained ground chuck: both cans of drained, diced tomatoes, diced onion, sliced mushrooms and sliced olives. Cook until heated thoroughly and any excess liquid is evaporated. (You want the sauce to be really thick - too much liquid will cause the lasagna to fall apart.) You'll be dividing the sauce into three portions when you assemble lasagna.
3. Squeeze spinach in cheesecloth or paper towels until it's fairly dry. You'll need to divide this into two portions prior to assembly.
4. Place egg, ricotta, 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese in medium bowl and stir until well mixed. This mixture will be divided into two portions for assembly.
5. TO ASSEMBLE: In a greased 9x13 pan, place a thin layer of meat/veggie sauce (doesn't have to cover entire bottom.) Layer zucchini noodles next, making sure that noodles reach all sides of pan. Place about half of the spinach on top of the zucchini (I just drop it by small spoonfuls randomly so there will be some in every piece.) Using a tablespoon, place half of cheese mixture randomly across top, spreading as best you can so top is covered.) Repeat layers again - sauce, zucchini, spinach, and cheese mixture. Next layer is remainder of sauce. Cover entire pan with leftover mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until cheese begins to brown and look bubbly. Let lasagna stand for 5-10 minutes before cutting.
7. Enjoy!!