Zucchini Lasagna Skillet (Printer view)

A low-carb skillet layered with zucchini ribbons, seasoned beef, ricotta, and melted cheese, ready in under an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced lengthwise into thin ribbons
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Meats

04 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Dairy

05 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
06 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Sauce & Canned Goods

08 - 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
09 - 2 tbsp tomato paste

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp dried basil
12 - 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Oils

14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
04 - Arrange half of the zucchini ribbons over the meat sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese evenly on top, then sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and some Parmesan cheese.
05 - Repeat layering with the remaining zucchini, ricotta, and another third of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
06 - Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the zucchini to become tender.
07 - For a browned cheese topping, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like real lasagna without the guilt or the carb crash afterward.
  • Everything happens in one skillet, so cleanup is almost laughable compared to what you'd normally face.
  • The zucchini gets silky and tender, soaking up all that savory beef and tomato goodness in a way that somehow feels lighter than the original.
02 -
  • If your zucchini ribbons are too thick, they'll stay watery and the whole skillet becomes soupy—thin is your friend here, and a mandoline earns its space in your kitchen for this alone.
  • Don't skip draining excess fat from the beef; it sounds nitpicky, but that extra grease floats on top and makes the final dish feel heavy instead of satisfying.
03 -
  • Pat your zucchini ribbons dry with paper towels before layering; excess moisture is the enemy of a cohesive, satisfying dish.
  • Taste the sauce before you layer everything, and don't be shy about adjusting the salt, pepper, or even a pinch more basil—this is your chance to get it exactly right before the cheese seals everything in.
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