Keto Zucchini Lasagna Bites are a simple and tasty recipe with reduced carbs. These small bites contain all the flavors that you are used to eating in a regular Italian dinner. We add olive oil, cheeses, ground meat, zucchini, and keto marinara. They are ideal for weekday meals, appetizers, and meal prep. You have the cheese, sauce, and texture, but the zucchini makes it light and keto. They warm up well and maintain their shape. Each bite is made of small zucchini with a small amount of meat sauce and cheese, so it looks balanced rather than heavy. These Keto Zucchini Lasagna Bites freeze well for two months.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
STATISTICAL OVERVIEW:
- Caloric content: 95 kcal
- Course: Appetizer, Snack, Low-Carb Entrée
- Time for prep: 15 minutes
- Diet: Keto
- Cuisine: Italian
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Size/serving: 2 bites
- Mode of cooking: Oven
- Yield in total: 12 bites
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Overall time: 35 minutes
TOOLS:
- Bowls
- Spatula
- Mandoline or knife(sharp)
- Baking tray
- Muffin pan
- Skillet
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- Half a tsp of salt
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 tsp of Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Half a tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of marinara sauce, low-carb
- Half a tsp of garlic powder
- 1/4 cup of grated parmesan
- Turkey or ground beef, 1/2 lb
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR KETO SUBSTITUTION:
CHEESE:
- Mozzarella melts nicely, while Parmesan adds a strong flavor. Both are keto by nature and require no extra replacements.
ZUCCHINI:
- We use zucchini that swaps for pasta sheets and maintains a low-carb content to give the dish a soft texture. It provides a firm body and shape to every single bite. You can also utilize yellow squash for the same texture.
OLIVE OIL:
- Using olive oil prevents meat from drying and helps it brown. You can use avocado oil as an alternative, which is resistant to heat and keto-friendly.
GROUND MEAT:
- This beef delivers a deep flavor in the dish, while the use of turkey provides a light texture. They both are best for a keto diet. You can use ground chicken for a low-carb choice.
KETO MARINARA:
- Choose a brand that contains no added sugar. We can use regular marinara, which works well, but it will increase carbs. Keto marinara gives the sauce taste without increasing carbs.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Set the oven temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
- Grease a muffin pan lightly.
- Brown the ground beef in a pan heated with olive oil.
- Add the marinara sauce, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for a minute on a low to medium flame while stirring.
- Cut the zucchini into thin, muffin-cup-wide circles.
- Put one slice of zucchini in the bottom of each muffin cup.
- Top with a tbsp of beef sauce.
- Sprinkle a little Parmesan and mozzarella.
- Add extra beef sauce and another piece of zucchini to the layers.
- Spread cheese on the exterior to finish.
- Insert it in the oven to bake for half an hour, till the edges are brown and the cheese melts.
- Before taking them out of the pan, leave them to chill for a minute to allow them to firm properly.
TIPS:
- To make sure that the bites cook equally, slice the zucchini equally.
- Add some powdered red pepper to the dish to create more spice in it.
- To prevent excess moisture, pat the zucchini slices dry.
- Use muffin cups made of silicone for easy removal.
- Allow the bites to cool somewhat so that when you pull them out, they maintain their shape.
- Pat them dry to keep the zucchini slices from getting too wet.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
APPETIZERS:
- Stuffed Mushrooms
- Mozzarella Bombs
SALADS:
- Spinach and Feta
- Keto Caesar
DRINKS:
- Butter Coffee
- Iced Matcha Latte
SIDES:
- Cheesy Broccoli
- Garlic Butter Cauliflower Mash
SOUPS:
- Chicken Alfredo
- Tomato Basil
STORAGE INFORMATION:
Once cooled, keep the bites in a closed vessel. They retain their shape and remain fresh for a few days.
REFRIGERATION:
- Place in the refrigerator for four days. Warm it again in the air fryer or oven for a good texture.
FREEZING:
- Store in a layer, then move to a freezer-friendly vessel. They remain well for up to two months. Before warming it again, defrost it.
FAQs:
Why are my bites so moist?
- You can use dry zucchini and prevent the use of watery sauces.
Could I change them to vegetarian?
- Yes, you can use a keto-friendly meat made from plants or additional cheese.
Will I add ricotta?
- Yes, put a small amount between each layer.
May I use an air fryer to cook them?
- Yes, you can bake for 15 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Free Keto Meal Plan: STEP-BY-STEP KETO DIET PLAN FOR BEGINNERS
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Fats: 6 g
Sugar: 2 g
Caloric content: 95 kcal
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Net carbs: 3 g
Proteins: 7 g
One single portion: 2 bites
Total carbs: 4 g