Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna
A hearty, veggie-packed lasagna where grated zucchini and carrots are seamlessly incorporated into the tomato sauce and cheese layers. This italian-inspired kid friendly ready in about 75 minutes pairs zucchini, carrots, lasagna noodles for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups zucchini
- 1 cup carrots
- 12 oz lasagna noodles
- 12 oz ground turkey
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Grate 1.5 cups zucchini and 1 cup carrots, then squeeze out excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel.
- Step 2: Brown 12 oz ground turkey with 1/2 cup diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves in a skillet over medium-high heat for 7 minutes until no pink remains.
- Step 3: Add 15 oz diced tomatoes, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1/4 tsp salt to the turkey, simmering uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Step 4: Layer 3 lasagna noodles in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, top with 1/3 of the turkey sauce, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/3 of the grated zucchini-carrot mixture, and 1/3 of the mozzarella.
- Step 5: Repeat layers twice, ending with a final layer of noodles, remaining sauce, and 2/3 cup mozzarella.
- Step 6: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep zucchini from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Zucchini-Carrot Layered Lasagna?
Italian kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My partner, who's usually picky, absolutely loved this.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
