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High-Protein Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna

Updated on 3 min read
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High Protein • Low-Carb • Diabetic-Friendly

This Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna is a rich, layered casserole featuring seasoned meat sauce, zucchini “noodles,” and gooey melted cheese. It’s a high-protein, low-carb take on classic lasagna, perfect for meal prep or a hearty dinner.

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Recipe Overview

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: ~65 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Protein: 42g
Total Carbs: 11g
Net Carbs: 8g
Fat: 32g

Diet Style

  • High-protein
  • Low-carb / Keto-friendly
  • Diabetic-friendly
  • Gluten-free option (with zucchini instead of pasta)
  • Casserole / Dinner-friendly

Equipment

9×13-inch baking dish
Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Whisk or spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

Meat Sauce:

  • 2 lbs (900g) ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 jar (24 oz) sugar-free marinara sauce (or homemade)

Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Other Layers & Toppings:

  • 4–5 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise into thin strips
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2 — Prepare Meat Sauce

  1. In a large skillet, cook onion and garlic over medium heat until soft.
  2. Add ground beef or sausage, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook until browned.
  4. Stir in sugar-free marinara sauce and simmer 5–10 minutes.

Step 3 — Prepare Cheese Layer

  1. In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan until smooth.

Step 4 — Assemble Lasagna

  1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Add a layer of zucchini slices.
  3. Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over zucchini.
  4. Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by more zucchini and remaining cream cheese mixture.
  5. Finish with remaining meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5 — Bake

Bake for 35–45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra browning.

Step 6 — Rest & Serve

Allow lasagna to rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips

  • For higher protein: add ricotta cheese or extra ground meat.
  • For stricter low-carb: use thinly sliced eggplant or omit one zucchini layer.
  • Make-ahead: assemble fully and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 42g
  • Total Carbs: 11g
  • Net Carbs: 8g
  • Fat: 32g

Serving Ideas

  • Serve with a side salad for a complete low-carb meal.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
  • Portion into meal-prep containers for easy high-protein lunches or dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Keto Cheesy Zucchini Lasagna is rich, filling, and high in protein while remaining low in carbs. Perfect for a healthy, hearty dinner, it’s comforting, flavorful, and ideal for anyone following a low-carb or diabetic-friendly diet.

Flavorsome, cheesy, and protein-packed — a satisfying lasagna without the pasta.

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