MAIN DISH: ZUCCHINI LASAGNA(click here to print)

ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

Ingredients:3 large zucchini, about 12 ounces each
1 lb ground beef
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup full-fat ricotta
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 tsp salt
12 ounces shredded mozzarella (shred from a block)

Preparation:

Preheat grill to medium (temperature should only be about 300 to 350F). Cut each zucchini in half crosswise and then slice each half lengthwise into 1/4 inch thick slices (it’s okay if they are a little uneven).

Grill zucchini slices until they are tender and much of the moisture has been removed, about 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from grill and set aside on layers of paper towels to continue drying out. Alternatively, roast zucchini at 350F in the oven on wire baking racks for about 20 minutes. 

Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook through, breaking up any clumps with the back of a wooden spoon, about 7 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Turn heat to medium low and simmer 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, parmesan, basil, egg, garlic and salt. Stir to combine well. 

Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9x13 inch glass or ceramic baking dish. Lay 1/3 of the zucchini slices across the bottom in a single layer. Spread with 1/3 of cream cheese/ricotta mixture, then 1/3 of meat sauce and 1/3 of the mozzarella. Repeat these layers 2 more times.

Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes, until bubbling. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or so, until cheese on top is beginning to brown. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8

Nutrition Info: Food energy: 457kcal, Saturated fatty acids: 16.94g, Total fat: 29.14g, Calories from fat: 262, Cholesterol: 116mg, Carbohydrate: 10.72g, Total dietary fiber: 1.89g, Protein: 30.72g, Sodium: 819mg

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