We have been trying to add more vegetables to our family meals, and sometimes it takes a bit of creativity!
Our latest attempt was a huge success: A pasta-free zucchini lasagna that my kids love!
Lasagna is a favorite at our house. My kids love it, my husband loves it, and it never lasts long enough for there to even be leftovers. It is one of our go-to recipes and we make it almost weekly. Finding a way to make this delicious dinner healthier was a challenge, but zucchini definitely rose to the occasion. The best part about this? If you already have a favorite lasagna recipe, just substitute zucchini for the noodles and you're set!
Here is how we made ours:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground hamburger or turkey
- 2 cans tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (15 oz)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 3-4 whole zucchini (sliced thinly)
- 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 c parmesan cheese
Directions:
1. Slice zucchini into long slices.
2. Brown hamburger with a little oil.
3. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, Italian seasoning, and garlic to the hamburger.
4. Layer, in a 9x13 pan, zucchini, tomato mixture, and finally the mozzarella cheese. Do this twice.
5. Add parmesan cheese on top.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes.
I have found that I do tend to eat a little more when it is zucchini instead of noodles because without the pasta it isn't quite as filling. For my family of four, this is perfect, but if you have a large family consider doubling the recipe.
Have you looked at your favorite family meals to consider how you can incorporate more vegetables into the menu? I bet you can find lots of ways to sneak in veggies that are sure to be a healthy hit for everyone!
Gwendolyn Dattage is the publisher of Macaroni Kid St. George, Utah.
