Low-carb one-pan courgette lasagne

Low-carb one-pan courgette lasagne with courgette, tomatoes, ricotta and mozzarella or cheddar: hearty, with plenty of protein and quickly made in one pan.

At a glance

• Serves 2
• Prep time: 10 min
• Cooking time: 20 min
• Total time: 30 min
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving
• Protein: 34 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbs: 14 g

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 courgette
• 150 g beef mince
• 1 onion
• 400g tomatoes
• 2 tbsp ricotta cheese
• 1 handful of cheddar or mozzarella
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Salt

Method

You’ll need: frying pan · chopping board · knife · grater · wooden spoon

1. Coarsely grate the courgette. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and fry the onion, garlic and beef mince until everything is nicely browned.
3. Stir in the tomatoes with oregano, salt and pepper and bring briefly to the boil. Add the courgette and cook gently until it softens.
4. Press small hollows into the sauce and spoon the ricotta into them. Scatter over the mozzarella or cheddar.
5. Cover the pan and leave over a low heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce looks thick.
6. Serve hot, finished with a little oregano or freshly ground pepper if you like.

Good to know

When you want the taste of lasagne with a lot less fuss, this pan dish is just right. Warming, hearty and on the table without much effort.

Swaps

Ricotta → cottage cheese (more protein). Mozzarella → feta (stronger flavour, provides calcium; in pregnancy, made from pasteurised milk). Beef mince → turkey mince (a little leaner) or soaked soya mince (vegetarian; contains soya). Olive oil → ghee (heat-stable and full of flavour).

Allergens

Contains milk (ricotta and cheese). Onion and garlic can be quite intense for sensitive children; in pregnancy, cook everything through thoroughly and use pasteurised dairy.

Frequently asked questions

What's in courgette nutritionally?

Courgette is mostly water and provides fibre plus smaller amounts of potassium, vitamin B6 and folate. It's mild, so it suits light, veg-packed dishes.

Why are tomatoes interesting in a dish like this?

Tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamin C and potassium. Lycopene is a carotenoid. Here the tomatoes simmer with oregano before the courgette goes in.

How is ricotta different from other cheeses?

Ricotta is usually milder and often moister than many hard cheeses. It provides protein and calcium, but still contains lactose and milk protein, which can matter if you have an intolerance.

Do onion and garlic always agree with everyone?

Not with everyone. They contain FODMAPs such as fructans, which can cause wind or a feeling of pressure in the stomach in sensitive people.

Which cheese suits better nutritionally: mozzarella or cheddar?

Both provide protein and calcium, but they differ a little in water content and ripening. Mozzarella is often milder and moister, while cheddar is usually stronger in flavour and, depending on the type, a little more concentrated in fat and salt.