Name: Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cups finely diced zucchini (about 2 small or 1 medium/large zucchini); 1 cup finely diced summer squash (about 1 medium/large summer squash); 1 15 ounce can whole tomatoes (2 cups, or crushed tomatoes if preferred); 1 10 ounce can tomato sauce (1 1/4 cups); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 6 ounces uncooked, oven-ready lasagna noodles (8 noodles); 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded parmesan; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella

There’s something so comforting yet fresh about this Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe. It combines the hearty richness of ground beef with the bright, tender bite of zucchini, making it a deliciously satisfying meal that doesn’t leave you feeling heavy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

A square white baking dish filled with a thick, layered slice of lasagna being lifted by a utensil, showing several visible layers including a golden melted cheese top with browned spots, a rich red tomato sauce layer with chunks of meat and vegetables, creamy white cheese layers, and soft pasta sheets with a slightly rough texture. A few fresh green basil leaves are placed on top and around the dish. The dish sits on a wooden surface with a white marbled textured background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe because it balances taste and health without sacrificing one for the other. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to throw together on a busy weeknight. This dish feels like a warm hug, but with all the nutrients you want.

Light yet filling: Using zucchini and summer squash instead of heavy pasta layers keeps it hearty but not too carb-loaded.
Flavor-packed sauce: The mix of whole tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian herbs creates a rich, homemade taste without tons of fuss.
Time-saver: Oven-ready lasagna noodles make assembly quicker and easier, perfect for busy cooks.
Customizable: You can swap veggies or cheeses depending on what you have on hand, making it a versatile go-to option.

The image shows a white rectangular casserole dish filled with a layered lasagna. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with some spots slightly browned, garnished with fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. Below the cheese, there are visible thick layers of sauce with small chunks of browned meat, red tomato, and melted cheese. One corner is scooped out with a wooden spatula held by a woman's hand, revealing multiple layers including pasta sheets, a meaty tomato sauce, and creamy white cheese sauce. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a grey cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient has a role: ground beef adds protein and richness, zucchini offers moisture and a subtle earthiness, while the blend of tomatoes and herbs ties it all together with classic Italian flavor. Here’s a little more about why each piece is important and what to look for:

Flat lay of a mound of fresh lean ground beef, a small heap of finely diced white onion, a white ceramic bowl filled with finely diced green zucchini, a white ceramic bowl with finely diced yellow summer squash, a cluster of whole ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth red tomato sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with dried green parsley, dried purple basil, and dried green oregano mixed together, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a neat stack of oven-ready flat lasagna noodles, a white ceramic bowl brimming with creamy low-fat cottage cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and another small white ceramic bowl filled with shredded white mozzarella cheese placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Choosing lean beef keeps things healthy and reduces excess grease, which you want to drain off anyway for a cleaner sauce.
Diced Onion: Adds a sweet foundation flavor that softens and blends into the sauce.
Zucchini and Summer Squash: These veggies bring moisture and subtle sweetness, plus extra fiber and nutrients.
Whole Tomatoes: I love using whole tomatoes because mashing them down gives a fresh, slightly chunky texture—it feels homemade!
Tomato Sauce: Helps create a smooth sauce base and adds that concentrated tomato flavor.
Garlic Powder & Herbs (Parsley, Basil, Oregano): These seasonings layer classic Italian flavors into the sauce without overwhelming it.
Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: Huge time-saver because no boiling is necessary—just layer and bake.
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: A lighter alternative to ricotta that still adds creamy texture and protein.
Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese: They melt beautifully and give the lasagna its signature gooey, cheesy finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I usually stick pretty close to this recipe, but I love tweaking it with whatever veggies I have around. It’s forgiving, so don’t hesitate to play around with it and make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap summer squash with shredded carrots or mushrooms for a different veggie layer—these add a nice sweetness or umami kick.
Dietary Swap: If you want to make this dairy-free, try a cashew-based vegan cheese instead of cottage and mozzarella—it turns out surprisingly tasty!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce brings a gentle heat that wakes up the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Sizzle the Ground Beef and Onions

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onions first, letting them soften and become fragrant—about 2-3 minutes. Then add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is browned through. Make sure to drain excess fat to keep the dish on the lighter side.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini and Squash

While the beef cooks, dice the zucchini and summer squash into small cubes, about ¼ to ½ inch. Once your beef is done and drained, add the zucchini and squash to the pan. Cook them down for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This softens the veggies and releases their juices, which meld beautifully with the sauce later.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the whole canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, parsley, basil, oregano, and pepper to the pan. Use your spatula to gently break down the whole tomatoes as the sauce simmers over medium heat for 7-10 minutes. This is when the flavors come alive—give it a good stir now and then to keep the tomatoes from sticking and to develop a luscious, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Combine Meat and Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened slightly, toss the cooked beef and onions back into the mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly—this is your hearty filling, rich with vegetables and perfectly seasoned ground beef.

Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna

Grab a 9×13" casserole dish and start layering. Pour about one-quarter of the meat sauce on the bottom to coat the dish. Arrange 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles over the sauce, then layer another quarter of the sauce over the noodles. Dollop half of the cottage cheese evenly on top, then sprinkle half of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

Repeat these steps with the remaining noodles, sauce, and cheeses to build a second layer that’s just as hearty and cheesy.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to let the cheese develop that golden, bubbly crust we all love. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.

Top Tip

Over time, I realized a few small tricks make this Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe even better and less stressful to make. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get consistent, tasty results every time.

Drain the Beef Well: Too much grease in your sauce can make the lasagna watery and greasy—draining the beef properly keeps your sauce thick and savory.
Sauté the Veggies First: Cooking zucchini and squash before layering releases excess moisture so your lasagna doesn’t end up watery after baking.
Break Down Whole Tomatoes: Breaking them down in the pan with your spatula creates a fresh, chunky texture that beats pre-crushed canned tomatoes any day.
Use Oven-Ready Noodles: They save so much time and hassle with no pre-boiling needed—just remember to spread sauce evenly so they cook through properly.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this lasagna off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley. It adds a bright pop of color and freshness that balances the rich cheese and beef beautifully. A dash of extra parmesan on top never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad—something simple with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing. For something warm, garlic roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans make fantastic sides that keep the meal light yet satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

When I make this for friends or family gatherings, I sometimes bake individual portions in small ramekins. It’s a charming way to serve and also makes portion control a breeze! A sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers can turn it into a real showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a real winner here! I store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently covered with foil in the oven to keep moisture locked in and avoid drying out the noodles and cheese.

Freezing

One of my favorite things about this Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe is that it freezes beautifully. I wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, popping it into the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready, bake it straight from frozen, just add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time—so convenient.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven at 350°F works best to keep that baked cheesy texture. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out, and heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too, but it’s not quite as delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that keeps the lasagna healthy and light. Just brown it the same way as beef and adjust the seasoning if needed.

How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?

Pre-cooking the zucchini and summer squash helps release excess moisture before layering, which is key. Also, draining the cooked beef and not adding too much sauce layer keeps it firm and less soggy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute the oven-ready lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just keep an eye on baking times and the noodles’ texture, since gluten-free varieties can differ.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

While this recipe centers on ground beef and dairy, you can swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles and replace the cheeses with dairy-free alternatives. Using a cashew or tofu-based ricotta substitute works great for creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Beef Zucchini Lasagna Recipe truly feels like a little slice of comfort that’s also kind to your body. I love making it when I want a cozy meal without the guilt or heaviness of traditional lasagna. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner that everyone asks for on repeat!