Low Carb Classic Baked Pasta

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine with a healthy twist in this Low Carb Classic Baked Pasta! This innovative recipe swaps traditional pasta for tender, spiralized zucchini noodles, creating a guilt-free yet satisfying dish that's perfect for low-carb or keto lifestyles. Layers of rich, flavorful meat sauce made with ground beef, garlic, and herbs are combined with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and nutty parmesan cheese for the ultimate comfort food makeover. Ready in just over an hour, this easy-to-make casserole is ideal for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you're seeking a wholesome dinner option or an alternative to carb-heavy classics, this baked pasta recipe delivers all the cheesy, savory goodness you crave—without the carbs.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 medium zucchini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 pound ground beef
• 14 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Using a spiralizer, create zucchini noodles from the zucchinis. Set aside.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 5

Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg. Mix well.

Step 7

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Layer half of the zucchini noodles on top.

Step 8

Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the zucchini noodles. Add another layer of meat sauce.

Step 9

Top with remaining zucchini noodles, the rest of the meat sauce, and then sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 11

Let the baked pasta rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your low-carb dish!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2374.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2901.2

Total Fat 193.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g
Cholesterol 831.8mg	0%
Sodium 12827.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 128.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.3g	0%
Total Sugars 82.9g
Protein 186.1g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3028.9mg	0%
Iron 16.9mg	0%
Potassium 5073.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 58.1%

Protein: 24.8%

Carbs: 17.1%