Would you like to see your family eat more healthy veggies? We have been trying to add more vegetables to our family meals, and sometimes it takes a bit of creativity! Our latest attempt was a huge success: A pasta-free zucchini lasagna that my kids love!
Lasagna is a favorite at our house. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and it never lasts long enough for there to even be leftovers. It is one of our go-to recipes and we make it almost weekly. Finding a way to make this delicious dinner healthier was a challenge, but zucchini definitely rose to the occasion. The best part about this? If you already have a favorite lasagna recipe, just substitute zucchini for the noodles and you're set!
Here is how we made ours:
Pasta-free Zucchini Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 2 - 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 2 - 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves - crushed
- 3-4 whole zucchini - sliced thinly
- 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 c parmesan cheese
- Optional: 1 lb ground beef, turkey or your choice alternative meat
Directions:
- Slice zucchini into long slices.
- Brown hamburger with a little oil.
- Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and garlic to the hamburger.
- Layer, in a 9x13 pan, zucchini, tomato mixture, and finally the mozzarella cheese. Do this twice.
- Add parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
Note: I have found that I do tend to eat a little more when it is zucchini instead of noodles because without the pasta it isn't quite as filling. For my family of four, this is perfect, but if you have a large family consider doubling the recipe.
Macaroni tip: Have you looked at your favorite family meals to consider how you can incorporate more vegetables into the menu? I bet you can find lots of ways to sneak in veggies that are sure to be a healthy hit for everyone!