Zucchini Lasagna

By oldbklady

Ingredients

• 1 llb ground beef
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 2 Tbs chopped fresh basil
• pepper, to taste
• 3 medium (8 ounces each) zucchini, sliced 1/8″ thick
• 1 1/2 cups part-skim ricotta
• 1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 large egg
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium sauce pan, brown meat, onions and garlic. When cooked drain. Add tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer on low for at least 30 minutes, covered. Do not add extra water, the sauce should be thick.

Meanwhile, slice zucchini into 1/8″ thick slices, add lightly salt and set aside for 10 minutes. Zucchini has a lot of water when cooked, salting it takes out a lot of moisture. After 10 minutes, blot excess moisture with a paper towel.

Preheat a grill to medium high,(I used inside grill on stove top) and grill 2 to 3 minutes per side, until slightly browned. Place on paper towels to soak any excess moisture.

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a medium bowl mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and egg. Stir well.

In a 9×12 casserole spread 1/2 cup of sauce on the bottom and layer the zucchini to cover. Spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese mixture, then top with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese and repeat the process until all your ingredients are used up. The last layer top with remaining zucchini and sauce, cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.

Uncover the foil and bake 20 minutes (to dry up the sauce) then place the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and bake until melted, 10 minutes.

Let stand about 5 – 10 minutes before serving.