High Protein Zucchini Lasagna Recipe

This High Protein Zucchini Lasagna is a low-carb twist on the classic, packed with layers of savory beef, creamy cheese, and rich marinara sauce!

Let’s be real—lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, but sometimes all that pasta leaves you feeling like you need a nap and a food coma recovery plan. 

Enter: this High Protein Zucchini Lasagna Recipe, aka all the cheesy, saucy, hearty goodness you love, but way lighter, packed with protein, and sneakily loaded with veggies.

Instead of regular lasagna noodles, we’re using thinly sliced zucchini that gets perfectly tender and soaks up all that rich, garlicky marinara sauce. 

The layers? Savory seasoned ground beef, a creamy cottage cheese and spinach mix, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan to top it off. 

Oh, and let’s not forget a final touch of fresh basil—because we’re fancy like that.

And before you worry about watery zucchini sadness—don’t. I’ve got all the tricks to make sure your lasagna turns out thick, flavorful, and perfectly cheesy every time (keep reading for the pro tips!).

So if you’re looking for a low-carb, high-protein meal that actually tastes indulgent, this Zucchini Lasagna is about to be your new weeknight dinner obsession. Ready? Let’s layer it up.

If you love high protein dinner ideas you may also want to try my Steak Stir-Fry or my Greek Chicken Bowls.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS HIGH PROTEIN ZUCCHINI LASAGNA RECIPE

All the Lasagna Flavor, None of the Carb Coma – You still get layers of saucy, cheesy, savory goodness, just without the heavy pasta.

High-Protein, Low-Carb Comfort Food – Thanks to lean ground beef, cottage cheese, and eggs, this lasagna is packed with protein to keep you full.

No Watery Zucchini Noodles Here! – The key to perfect texture? Salting and patting dry your zucchini before layering—goodbye, soupy lasagna!

Super Satisfying Without the Guilt – This recipe is gluten-free, low in carbs, and made with wholesome ingredients, so you can eat seconds (or thirds) stress-free.

Ridiculously Easy to Make – Simple steps, minimal effort, and no fancy techniques—just layer, bake, and devour.

Leftovers Taste Even Better – The flavors meld together overnight, making this an A+ meal prep option.

That Cheese Pull Though – Mozzarella, parmesan, and cottage cheese = melty, gooey perfection in every bite.

Fresh, Light, and Still Indulgent – The garlicky marinara, savory beef, and creamy cheese make this taste way too good to be this healthy.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED FOR THE BEST ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make this delicious lasagna (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post):

• Medium Zucchini – The low-carb “noodles” that keep things light and fresh.
• Olive Oil, Salt & Black Pepper – A little seasoning to bring out the zucchini’s best flavor.
• Lean Ground Beef – Adds hearty, meaty goodness without excess fat. Can also use ground turkey or ground chicken if desired.
• Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder – Because seasoning is life.
• Prepared Marinara Sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for max flavor.
• Cottage Cheese & Fresh Spinach – The creamy, high-protein layer that keeps things light yet satisfying. Can also use ricotta cheese, however it’s not as high in protein.
• Parmesan Cheese & Mozzarella Cheese – Because lasagna needs cheese, and lots of it.
• Egg – Helps bind the cottage cheese mixture so it stays thick and luscious.
• Fresh Basil Leaves – The final chef’s kiss that makes it extra fresh and fancy.
• Optional – red pepper flakes, fresh parsley or other fresh herbs, tomato paste, italian sausage, etc.

HOW TO MAKE THE LOW CARB ZUCCHINI LASAGNA RECIPE

Prep the Zucchini Noodles – Preheat oven to Using a mandolin, slice zucchini into thin 1 inch strips and sprinkle with salt to draw out excess moisture. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels. (No soggy lasagna here!). 

Cook the Meat Sauce – In a large skillet, cook the ground beef with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until browned. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer.

Make the Creamy Filling – In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese (liquid drained), fresh chopped spinach, parmesan cheese, and an egg until smooth.

Layer It Up – In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce, then half of the zucchini noodles, followed by all the cottage cheese filling. Then add the remaining zucchini slices, followed by the remaining meat sauce and top with the mozzarella cheese.

Bake to Perfection – Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes, then turn heat up and broil for 2-3 minutes (watching closely so the cheese doesn’t burn). The cheese should be golden and bubbly.

Top with Fresh Basil & Serve – Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long!) and enjoy.

STORING LEFTOVER HIGH PROTEIN ZUCCHINI LASAGNA

Refrigerate for Up to 5 Days – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. The flavors meld together, making it even better the next day!

Reheat Like a Pro – Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep that cheesy, melty texture.

Freeze for Longer Storage – For best results, freeze individual portions in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Thaw Before Reheating – If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Prevent Sogginess – If the lasagna releases extra liquid when reheating, drain it off before serving to keep the layers intact.

Great for Meal Prep – Pack leftovers into meal prep containers for a quick, high-protein, low-carb lunch during the week.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Salt & Pat Dry the Zucchini – Sprinkle salt on sliced zucchini and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, pat dry with paper towels to prevent a watery lasagna.

• Slice the Zucchini Evenly – Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut zucchini into thin, uniform slices for even cooking and perfect layers.

• Don’t Overload with Sauce – Too much marinara can make the dish extra watery. Use just enough for flavor and moisture without drowning the layers.

• Use Lean Ground Beef – Stick with lean ground beef (or even ground turkey) to avoid excess grease that can make the lasagna soggy.

• Layer Like a Pro – Always start with a thin layer of marinara sauce, then zucchini, then the cottage cheese mixture, followed by the meat and mozzarella. Repeat for perfect layers.

• Add Fresh Spinach for Extra Nutrients – Chop fresh spinach and mix it into the cottage cheese layer for a nutrient-packed boost.

• Let It Rest Before Slicing – After baking, let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This helps it hold its shape instead of falling apart.

• Make It Even Cheesier – Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan on top for a next-level cheesy bite.

• Store & Reheat Like a Pro – This meal-preps beautifully! Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best texture.

FAQS

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT EXTRA MOISTURE IN ZUCCHINI LASAGNA?

The best way to avoid a watery lasagna is to salt the zucchini slices and let them sit for 15-20 minutes to release extra moisture. Then, pat them dry with paper towels before layering.

CAN I USE RICOTTA CHEESE INSTEAD OF COTTAGE CHEESE?

Absolutely! If you prefer a classic lasagna taste, swap the cottage cheese for a creamy ricotta mixture.

CAN I USE THIS HIGH PROTEIN ZUCCHINI LASAGNA RECIPE DURING SUMMER MONTHS?

Yes! Zucchini is at its peak in the summer months, making this a great way to use up garden zucchini while keeping things light and fresh.

IS THIS RECIPE GOOD FOR MEAL PREP?

Yes! It’s a great option because the flavors meld together overnight, and it tastes even better the next day.

Other Delicious Recipes For Busy Weeknights You May Enjoy!

• Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Steak Stir-Fry
• The Best Gluten-Free Meatballs
• Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
• Keto Chicken Fajita Casserole
• Easy Creamy Coconut Shrimp Recipe
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Burgers
• Vegan Thai Red Curry With Tofu
• Easy Low Carb Spaghetti Squash Recipe With Meat Sauce
• Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Spaghetti Squash Recipe
• 10-Minute Air Fryer Chicken Sausage
• Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast Recipe 
• Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Recipe
• Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken
• Shrimp Rice Paper Rolls With Easy Peanut Sauce
• Banana Zucchini Bread

IF YOU TRIED THIS ZUCCHINI TRADITIONAL LASAGNA RECIPE PLEASE LEAVE IT A COMMENT AND STAR RATING. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN PIN THIS GREAT RECIPE ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING @basicswithbails and #basicswithbails