Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (at least 85% lean)
  • 3 medium zucchinis, thinly sliced into rounds
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup (240ml) low-sugar tomato sauce
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
  4. Stir in tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Arrange half of the zucchini slices in a single layer at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers with remaining zucchini and beef.
  6. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the bake.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
  8. Let the bake cool slightly (about 5-10 minutes) before slicing and serving.