Are you ready to indulge in a mouthwatering dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients? Dive into our irresistible Zucchini Lasagna with Soy Italian Sausage—a culinary delight that will have even the most dedicated meat lovers asking for seconds! This Italian-inspired recipe combines layers of tender zucchini, savory soy sausage, and creamy ricotta, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this lasagna is sure to steal the show. Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 package soy Italian sausage, crumbled
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your zucchini lasagna cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them into thin, even strips. You can use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for this. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices to ensure they cook properly.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the crumbled soy Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and slightly browned. If your soy sausage is pre-cooked, simply heat it until warmed.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked soy sausage. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the ricotta and add a nice creaminess to your lasagna.
- Prepare a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) by spreading a thin layer of the marinara and sausage mixture on the bottom. This will prevent the zucchini from sticking.
- Layer the zucchini slices over the marinara mixture, slightly overlapping them. This will create a solid base for your lasagna.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini slices, followed by a layer of the marinara and sausage mixture. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: add another layer of zucchini slices, the remaining ricotta mixture, more marinara and sausage mixture, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of zucchini slices, the remaining marinara and sausage mixture, and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious zucchini lasagna with soy Italian sausage!
Tips
- Slice Evenly: For the best texture, ensure your zucchini slices are uniform, about 1/8 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and prevents excess moisture from making your lasagna soggy.
- Pre-cook the Sausage: If using pre-cooked soy Italian sausage, just heat it until warm. If raw, cook it thoroughly in the skillet to develop flavor before mixing it with the marinara sauce.
- Layer Strategically: Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Alternate layers of zucchini, ricotta, and sauce for a balanced flavor in every bite.
- Cover While Baking: To achieve a perfectly melted and golden top, cover your lasagna with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This keeps the moisture in and ensures the zucchini cooks through.
- Let It Rest: Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your lasagna with a sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
