Name: Zucchini Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 7–8 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 8 oz cream cheese; 8 oz ricotta cheese; 1 egg; 2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar if keto); 8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Looking for a delicious low-carb alternative to baked ziti? This zucchini ziti is a cheesy, satisfying, and protein-packed dinner that skips the pasta and keeps all the comfort. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, need a gluten-free dinner idea, or just want to use up garden zucchini, this easy zucchini bake is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Ziti Recipe

Low-carb and gluten-free
High in protein
Family-friendly and meal prep approved
A great way to use fresh zucchini
Bakes in under 30 minutes

This healthy zucchini casserole is layered like traditional ziti but uses zucchini instead of noodles, making it a guilt-free comfort food the whole family will love.

Ingredients for Zucchini Ziti

7–8 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
8 oz cream cheese
8 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar if keto)
8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Zucchini Ziti

Step 1: Prep the Zucchini

Slice the zucchini into half moons. Boil in salted water for about 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain well to avoid a watery zucchini casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.

mixing cream cheese, egg, and ricotta in ziti

Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta, and egg until smooth. This creamy mixture adds richness and protein to the dish.

Using an immersion blender gets the job done quick.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a baking dish, layer the drained zucchini on the bottom. Add the ground beef and onions on top. Spread the cheese mixture over the meat. Pour marinara sauce evenly across the dish and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil. Top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips for the Best Zucchini Ziti

Drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Use a slotted spoon or pat the zucchini dry after boiling.
Add red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for extra flavor.
Use a sugar-free marinara to keep this zucchini ziti keto-friendly.

Variations and Add-Ins

Substitute ground turkey, ground venison, or sausage for the beef.
Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Try cottage cheese in place of ricotta for a higher protein option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this low-carb zucchini bake with a side salad or roasted vegetables. It also pairs well with garlic green beans or sautéed spinach.

Storage and Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Reheat: In the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, cottage cheese is a great substitute for ricotta in this zucchini ziti. It’s higher in protein and works well in baked dishes. Just expect a slightly different texture, less creamy, more curd-like but still delicious.

Is zucchini pasta healthier than regular pasta?

Zucchini noodles are lower in carbs and calories compared to wheat pasta, making them a healthier choice. They’re also rich in vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants.

Do zucchini noodles taste like pasta?

Not exactly. Zucchini noodles have a mild, slightly watery flavor. They don’t taste like traditional pasta, but they absorb sauce well and make a great low-carb substitute.

Why is my zucchini casserole watery?

Zucchini holds a lot of moisture. Be sure to boil briefly, drain thoroughly, and pat dry. You can also salt it and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking to draw out even more water.

What’s the lowest-carb noodle substitute?

Shirataki noodles are ultra low-carb and great for keto diets. But if you’re looking for a whole food option, zucchini noodles are one of the best low-carb pasta alternatives.

How do I draw out water from zucchini?

Salt the sliced zucchini and let it sit in a colander for 10–15 minutes. Then pat dry with a towel or squeeze gently to remove excess moisture. This helps avoid watery results when baking.

Watch the Zucchini Ziti Recipe in Action

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Zucchini Ziti

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Cheesy, low-carb zucchini ziti made with ground beef and no noodles. High-protein, gluten-free, and ready fast, perfect for keto dinners.

Ingredients

7–8 medium zucchini, sliced into half moons
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
8 oz cream cheese
8 oz ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 cups marinara sauce (low-sugar if keto)
8 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Slice the zucchini into half moons. Boil in salted water for about 2–3 minutes, just until slightly tender. Drain well to avoid a watery zucchini casserole.

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion and ground beef until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, ricotta, and egg until smooth. This creamy mixture adds richness and protein to the dish.

Bake at 350°F for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Notes

Drain zucchini thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.

Use a slotted spoon or pat the zucchini dry after boiling.

Add red pepper flakes or Italian sausage for extra flavor.

Use a sugar-free marinara to keep this zucchini ziti keto-friendly.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 782Total Fat 39gSaturated Fat 18gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 149mgSodium 947mgCarbohydrates 66gFiber 21gSugar 39gProtein 59g

The nutrition in recipes is calculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet. Also, if you are following a specific diet or have allergies to certain foods, be sure to do your research on products before considering it safe to consume.

About Thirty Something Super Mom

Melissa

Thirty Something Super Mom | Website | + posts

My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.

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Zucchini Ziti Recipe (Low-Carb, Gluten-Free)

Why You’ll Love This Zucchini Ziti Recipe

Ingredients for Zucchini Ziti