Zucchini Lasagna with Italian Sausage Style Turkey

I am testing this recipe but if you decide to try it please let me know with feedback and suggestions. I reduced the carbs by using zucchini instead of noodles. Then I am attempting to get an Italian sausage flavor out of lean ground turkey. Finally, I am tying the flavors of the layers together by using the same spice profile used in the meat in the tomato sauce and then adding a small amount of the tomato sauce to the meat. To tie flavors and cut the sharpness of the ricotta I add a small amount of tomato sauce to the ricotta also. Lastly, I prefer fresh mozzarella but you can always use shredded mozarella if you prefer. Happy cooking!

Good

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Slice zucchini lengthwise 1/8" - 1/4" thick. Lay the slices on towels. Lightly salt and let them rest for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2

Pat completely dry.

Step 3

Put in a medium heat fry pan and saute them for 1-2 minutes on each side to remove extra moisture.

Step 4

Slice mozzarella cheese into 1/8" to 1/4" thick.

Step 5

Lay on paper towels and pat dry.

Step 6

Let it rest for 10 - 15 minutes.

Step 7

Stir all tomato sauce spices, vinegar, and cheese into the tomato sauce.

Step 8

Over medium heat bring to sauce to a slow boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes to thicken.

Step 9

Heat olive oil on low. Bloom the fennel seed, paprika, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and Aleppo pepper in the pan for 30 to 45 seconds stirring the whole time to prevent it from burning.

Step 10

Mix bloom and the rest of the meat layer ingredients into the raw ground turkey.

Step 11

Cook turkey on medium to high heat, crumbling while it cooks. Be sure to get the meat lightly browned (color = flavor).

Step 12

Taste and adjust salt as needed

Step 13

Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of prepared tomato sauce if dry and mix

Step 14

Mix ricotta, egg, prepared tomato sauce, Parmesan, parsley, and pepper until smooth.

Step 15

Spray 9" x 13" casserole dish with cooking spray

Step 16

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce mixture over the bottom of casserole dish.

Step 17

Lay zucchini slices in the dish, overlapping slightly.

Step 18

Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the zucchini

Step 19

Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the ricotta cheese

Step 20

Spread 1/3 of the tomato sauce over the meat

Step 21

Spread 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce

Step 22

Sprinkle about 1/3 of the 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese around the mozzarella.

Step 23

Repeat all layers 2 more times. On the top cheese layer use 1/4 cup parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness.

Step 24

Cover casserole with aluminum foil. Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until bubbling. You have two choices: Bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden or bake under the boiler for an additional 5 minutes to get a crisper cheese top.

Step 25

Remove from the oven and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to let the layers set.