HEALTHY LASAGNA RECIPE
This hearty lasagna is a holiday comfort classic, combining savory layers of pasta, beef, veggies, and melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings, it’s warm, satisfying, and sure to bring everyone together for a festive meal!
Comforting Lasagna Recipe
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Bake: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
This flavorful lasagna is a holiday favorite, packed with rich layers of pasta, beef, vegetables, and cheese. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for festive gatherings or cozy winter dinners!
Kitchen Tools Needed
Measuring Spoons
Measuring Cups
Saute Pan
9 x 13-inch casserole dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion (chopped)
- 2 cups finely diced zucchini (about 2 small or 1 medium/large zucchini)
- 1 cup finely diced summer squash (about 1 medium /large summer squash)
- 1 15 ounce can whole tomatoes (2 cups, or crushed tomatoes if preferred)
- 1 10 ounce can tomato sauce (1 1/4 cups)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 ounces uncooked, oven-ready lasagna noodles (8 noodles)
- 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Prepare and Cook:
In a large pan with high sides, cook the chopped onion and ground beef over medium-high heat until the beef is fully browned, about 10 minutes.
While the beef cooks, dice the zucchini and summer squash into small cubes, approximately 1/4″ to 1/2″ in size.
Drain the Beef:
Once the beef is fully cooked, drain the excess fat and set it aside.
Saute, Stir and Simmer:
In the same pan, sauté the zucchini and summer squash for 7-10 minutes until softened. Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your preferred spices. Continue cooking over medium heat for another 7-10 minutes, stirring often and breaking down the whole tomatoes with a spatula.
Combine the Beef and Sauce:
Add the cooked beef and onions back into the pan and mix thoroughly with the tomato sauce.
Add Layers:
Spread about 1/4 of the tomato sauce mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13" casserole dish.
Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, then spread another 1/4 of the sauce on top of the noodles.
Layer 1/2 of the cottage cheese over the sauce.
Add Parmesan and Mozzarella
Sprinkle 1/2 of the Parmesan and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese layer.
Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: sauce, noodles, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
Bake the Lasagna
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Once that is complete, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.
Cool and Serve
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your warm, flavorful lasagna!
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 407 kcal, Carbohydrates: 28g, Protein: 40g, Fat: 15g, Saturated fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 99mg, Sodium: 1568mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g.
Benefits of Lasagna
Comforting and Filling:
- This lasagna is a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you up on chilly holiday nights.
Nutritious Twist:
- Includes zucchini and summer squash, adding a boost of veggies to the meal.
Crowd-Pleaser:
- Perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties, it’s loved by both kids and adults.
Versatile:
- Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, or even meat alternatives.
This lasagna is the ultimate holiday dish, bringing together rich flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting warmth. Perfect for festive gatherings or quiet family dinners, it’s a recipe that’s sure to make your holiday season even more special!
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