Healthy Lasagna

A classic lasagna recipe crafted with fresh, homemade tomato sauce, high-quality lean ground meat, and creamy cottage cheese. This hearty dish is both comforting and satisfying, boasting a generous helping of protein to fuel a gathering of friends or family.
Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Ingredients Needed Recipe Substitutions How to Make Healthy Lasagna Brittany’s Tips!Serving Suggestions How to Store Leftovers Frequently Asked Questions More Pasta Recipes

Lasagna holds a treasured position in my affections – its rich, velvety layers of cheese and pasta exuding warmth and satisfaction. This delectable lasagna recipe combines the timeless flavours of traditional Italian cooking with a creative spin from Eating Bird Food.

By opting for whole wheat lasagna noodles, we’re incorporating a nutritional upgrade while combining lean ground beef or turkey with cottage cheese to deliver a significant protein enhancement.

If you’re a fan of creative twists on comforting dishes like our popular baked ziti recipe, cottage cheese macaroni and cheese, or baked eggplant parmesan, then you’ll surely enjoy this innovative take on the classic Italian-American favorite, lasagna. A surefire winner for all ages!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna

With a boost from lean ground beef or turkey and the creaminess of cottage cheese, this lasagna becomes a protein-packed powerhouse that will keep hunger at bay and satisfy your cravings.
This recipe yields an enormous batch, making it the ideal choice for serving a large gathering or providing ample leftovers for meal prep purposes.
Even the most discerning palates are sure to appreciate this culinary delight. My kids are obsessed. Flavours are elegantly simple, with subtle nuances added through the incorporation of extra vegetables.
I created a healthier version of my favorite pasta dish – I used whole wheat noodles, lean ground meat, added plenty of veggies, and swapped out the heavy sauce for a lighter option. Ricotta contains approximately 18 grams of protein per cup, whereas cottage cheese boasts around 28 grams of protein per cup.

Ingredients Needed

A great source of protein, utilizing 93% lean or higher ensures a lighter taste profile that still delivers on flavour.
and – essential components of the sauce: garlic and red pepper flakes.
Combining these three essential elements results in a sumptuous and savory homemade tomato sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
To infuse your pasta sauce with authentic Italian flair, you’ll require a medley of dried herbs: basil, oregano, parsley, and thyme. If you’re lacking in the spice department, Italian seasoning will do in a pinch.
I opted for low-fat cottage cheese as a lower-calorie alternative that generously contributes both protein and richness while minimizing excess fat. While using full-fat cottage cheese won’t drastically alter the overall nutritional profile, you should be aware that it does increase the calorie count.
and freshly shredded Parmesan cheese – to achieve optimal flavor, I strongly suggest purchasing a block of high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan, then shredding them yourself.
Forming a cohesive bond with the cheese mixture, it lends a satisfying texture to the lasagna’s layered structure.
When preparing this recipe, I prefer to use whole wheat noodles whenever possible, as they introduce an extra layer of dietary fiber. However, standard noodles remain a suitable substitute if whole wheat varieties are unavailable or harder to find. Both oven-ready and fully cooked noodles are suitable options for this recipe. When preparing noodles from scratch, aim to achieve an al dente texture to prevent them from becoming overly soft or mushy during the baking process.
Adding a burst of veggies for an extra nutritional kick!

Recipe Substitutions

Whether you’re in the mood for traditional meat-based options or prefer to go meatless, you have plenty of choices: opt for ground chicken, Italian sausage, or explore plant-based ground meats and veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Maintain a consistent cooking approach to ensure exceptional outcomes.
If you’re not a ricotta enthusiast either, feel free to substitute with ricotta – the texture and mild flavour will still provide a delicious base for your dish. While you’ll still achieve that signature creamy texture in your lasagna, it’s worth noting that substituting cottage cheese for ricotta also provides an excellent source of protein.
A splash of red wine or apple cider vinegar will do in a pinch, should you not have the luxury of having some Worcestershire sauce on hand, adding a subtle depth to the overall flavor profile.
Kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes for spinach in many recipes. Ensure chopped ingredients are finely processed for seamless integration within the dish’s layers.
If you’re a fan of bold flavors, consider sprinkling in some fiery red pepper flakes during the cooking process to give your dish an added kick.

How to Make Healthy Lasagna

Brown the ground beef or turkey with the sautéed onion and garlic in a skillet until fully cooked and thoroughly browned.

Combine the tomatoes, concentrated tomato flavor, rich tomato sauce, tangy balsamic vinegar, and blend of seasonings. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes, gently stirring every so often to ensure even distribution of flavors.

As the sauce simmers, combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and spinach in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cover the base of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a rich meat sauce layer. Layer three lasagna noodles on top.

Divide the cottage cheese mixture in half and spread one portion evenly over the noodles.

One additional layer of rich, savory meat sauce is spread evenly atop the melted cheese blend, infusing the dish with an even deeper depth of flavor.

Recreate the dish by repeating the layers one last time, finishing with a rich layer of savory sauce. Place the final 1 cup of creamy mozzarella cheese evenly across the surface.

Wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil and roast at a moderate temperature for 25 minutes. Concurrently remove the foil and prolong baking by 10-15 minutes, allowing the cheese to reach a state of melty, golden-brown effervescence. Serve warm!

Brittany’s Tips!

When working with ground beef, particularly lower-fat options, don’t forget to remove any lingering fat residue after browning the mixture. This step ensures the lasagna stays balanced, preventing excess oiliness and allowing the various flavors to truly come alive.
When using noodles that require pre-cooking, ensure they’re cooked to an al dente texture, as they’ll continue to cook slightly during the baking process. When cooked for too long, pasta can quickly turn into a mushy, unappealing mess.
Pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that impact its melting properties. To achieve the richest, most velvety layers, freshly shred your mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for unparalleled flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

This satisfying lasagna provides a filling foundation for a well-rounded meal, leaving ample opportunity to add your choice of accompaniments or sides. Here are some ideas:

How to Store Leftovers

This lasagna recipe yields an impressive amount, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or large gatherings. Here’s how to store leftovers:

Allow the lasagna to cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating or reheating. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, ensuring a secure seal, or transfer leftovers to a tightly sealed airtight container. This shelf life will likely persist for approximately four to five days when stored in a refrigerator.
: Lasagna freezes beautifully. Upon cooling, transfer the baked goods to a freezer-safe container or double-wrap the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for optimal storage. It can be safely stored in the freezer for a period of 1-2 months. Store the dish overnight in the refrigerator to thaw before reheating as needed.
Reheat the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until it is thoroughly warmed and hot throughout. When cooking a dish that’s become frozen, prolong the heating period, and think about draping it with aluminum foil to safeguard the surface from dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

The choice of noodles matters. Since you purchase oven-ready noodles, there’s no requirement to precook them prior to constructing your lasagna. If you’re unable to locate oven-ready noodles like many of us, it’s essential to cook the pasta al dente before constructing your lasagna. By cooking potatoes slightly under, they retain their texture and don’t become mushy during the baking process?

For a perfectly reheated and still-moist lasagna, the oven remains your go-to option. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until thoroughly warmed. To prevent overcooking and retain moisture when microwaving, consider adding a small amount of liquid – such as water, broth, or your preferred sauce – to the dish. This simple step can make all the difference in achieving a tender, flavorful result.

Definitely! With a busy weeknight dinner or holiday meal ahead, consider preparing your lasagna in advance to minimize stress and maximize your free time. To prepare ahead of time, simply follow the assembly instructions, cover the dish, and refrigerate the unbaked lasagna for 1 to 2 days without compromising its flavor or texture. Once your frozen pizza is ready for consumption, follow the baking instructions on the packaging, possibly allowing a few additional minutes of cooking time due to its initial cold temperature.

You can also prepare individual components of the lasagna ahead of time, rather than the entire dish. Before serving, prepare your lasagna by cooking noodles and meat sauce separately, then combine with a cheese-spinach mixture, storing all components in individual containers in the refrigerator for assembly when needed. Once you’re prepared to indulge, simply follow the instructions for assembly and baking.