No Nasty Zucchini Noodle Bake Recipe

View More Recipes | Jul 11 | Preview

Looking for a healthy and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal? This Zucchini Noodle Bake is a nutritious, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It’s packed with flavour and easy to make. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pound ground turkey or beef (optional)

• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup marinara sauce

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 190°C.

2. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:

• Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can also thinly slice the zucchini into ribbons.

3. Cook the Ground Meat (if using):

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.

• Add ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.

4. Assemble the Bake:

• In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add a layer of zucchini noodles on top.

• Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the zucchini noodles.

• Repeat the layers (meat sauce, zucchini noodles, ricotta cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

5. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

6. Serve:

• Let the zucchini noodle bake cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.

• Cheese Alternatives: Substitute ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter option. You can also use dairy-free cheese if you prefer.

• Protein Boost: Add cooked, shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.

This Zucchini Noodle Bake is perfect for a healthy dinner that the whole family will love. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavours of a classic pasta bake while keeping things light and nutritious. Enjoy!

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