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Healthy Lasagna Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

This Healthy Lasagna recipe offers a lighter take on the classic Italian favorite by using lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cottage cheese, and whole wheat noodles. Infused with a flavorful tomato sauce seasoned with herbs and garlic, and layered with spinach and a blend of cheeses, this baked dish delivers rich taste with fewer calories. Perfect for family dinners, it serves 12 and takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare and bake.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 16 oz container (2 cups) low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 8 oz block (2 cups) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded and divided
  • ½ cup freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (from the 6 cloves total)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped

Other

  • 6 whole wheat or regular lasagna noodles
  • Cooking spray (for baking dish)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook meat: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, chopped onion, 5 cloves of minced garlic, and sea salt. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it apart frequently with a spatula or meat chopper.
  2. Simmer sauce: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, and ground pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
  3. Mix cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the low-fat cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 minced clove garlic, and chopped spinach. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
  4. Cook noodles: Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain carefully and set aside to cool.
  5. Prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer (about ¾ cup) of the meat sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
  6. Layer noodles: Place 3 lasagna noodles over the meat sauce layer in the dish.
  7. Add cheese layer: Spread half of the cottage cheese and spinach mixture evenly over the noodles, then spoon half of the remaining meat sauce on top.
  8. Repeat layers: Add another layer of 3 lasagna noodles, followed by the remaining cheese mixture and then the rest of the meat sauce, spreading evenly and finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
  9. Add final cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella evenly over the top layer of sauce.
  10. Bake lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  11. Cool and serve: Remove the lasagna from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish before serving.

Notes

  • Using lean ground turkey instead of beef lowers the saturated fat content.
  • Whole wheat noodles increase fiber content for better digestion.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest after baking helps it set, making slicing easier.
  • Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of your cheese and canned tomatoes.
  • Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried herbs for a brighter flavor, but adjust quantities accordingly.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/healthy-lasagna-recipe/