Zucchini Lasagna Skillet (Printable)

A low-carb one-pan dish with zucchini ribbons, ground beef, ricotta, and melted cheese in a savory tomato base.

# What You 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 tablespoons tomato paste

→ Seasonings

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

→ Oils

14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

# How to Make It:

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 and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
04 - Arrange half the zucchini ribbons over the beef mixture. Spread half the ricotta cheese on top, then sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella and some Parmesan cheese.
05 - Repeat layering with the remaining zucchini ribbons and ricotta. Add another third of the mozzarella and Parmesan. Finish by topping with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
06 - Cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
07 - Optionally, place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the cheese. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like indulgent lasagna but actually makes you feel light afterward.
  • Everything happens in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor buildup.
  • You can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in under an hour, even on a chaotic weeknight.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the zucchini after slicing—watery zucchini will make the whole skillet soggy instead of cohesive.
  • The meat-sauce flavor window is crucial; if you simmer it too long, the herbs fade, but too short and everything tastes raw and separate.
  • Covering the pan while it cooks on low is non-negotiable—it steams the zucchini tender while keeping the top cheese from drying out.
03 -
  • Invest five minutes in slicing those zucchini evenly—uneven thickness means some ribbons stay firm while others turn to mush.
  • Don't be shy about seasoning the meat mixture before the cheese goes on; it's your only chance to season deep in the skillet.
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