Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped carrots
2 cloves garlic , minced
1 can tomato sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
salt and pepper to taste
5 medium zucchini , sliced lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick strips .
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg , beaten
3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Summer Lasagna is a perfect meal for any time of year, but it is especially refreshing during summer months. This recipe is a lighter version of traditional lasagna, made without noodles and with the addition of fresh zucchini. The beef and vegetable sauce is flavored with dried oregano and basil, and layered with a mixture of cottage cheese, egg, and shredded mozzarella cheese. The end result is a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dish that is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onions, bell pepper, carrots, and garlic until beef is no longer pink. Drain any fat.
3.Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4.While the sauce is simmering, lay zucchini slices on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture.
5.In a bowl, mix together cottage cheese, egg, and mozzarella cheese.
6.In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom, followed by a layer of the zucchini slices.
7.Next, add a layer of the cheese mixture and repeat the process until all ingredients are used up.
8.Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
9.Bake for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

PROS

This Summer Lasagna recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna, thanks to the zucchini replacing the noodles.

It is also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a delicious comfort food.

CONS

This recipe takes a bit longer to prepare than some other pasta recipes, but the end result is well worth the effort.

It is also higher in sodium content due to the tomato sauce, but you can use low-sodium tomato sauce to reduce it.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This Summer Lasagna recipe is loaded with healthy nutrients.
Zucchini is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and antioxidants that help boost immune system and prevent inflammation.
The cottage cheese used in the recipe is a great source of protein and calcium, essential nutrients for bone health.

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