Healthy Lasagna Casserole
For a healthier take on lasagna that maintains all the comforting flavors without the excess calories, consider this nutritious casserole alternative. By swapping out traditional ingredients for healthier options, you can still enjoy a hearty dish without sacrificing taste. This healthy lasagna casserole features lean ground beef, whole-grain pasta, and a delightful blend of low-fat cheeses, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence.
To start, gather your ingredients: 1 pound of lean ground beef, 8 ounces of whole grain pasta, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, a jar of No Sugar Added Prego spaghetti sauce, a can of sliced mushrooms, 8 ounces of low-fat cottage cheese, 7 ounces of fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup of reduced-fat grated parmesan cheese. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). As the oven heats up, cook the whole-grain pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Whole-grain pasta not only adds more fiber but also enhances the dish’s nutritional profile by providing essential nutrients.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the lean ground beef along with the minced garlic. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once the beef is cooked, incorporate the jar of spaghetti sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
In a large casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a few spoonfuls of the meat sauce at the bottom to prevent sticking. Next, arrange half of the cooked whole-grain pasta evenly over the sauce. Then, take the low-fat cottage cheese and mix in some fresh parsley for added flavor and color before spreading it over the pasta. The cottage cheese not only adds creaminess but also packs protein while being lower in fat than traditional ricotta.
On top of the cottage cheese layer, add half of the sauce and meat mixture. Follow this with half of the shredded fat-free mozzarella and half of the reduced-fat parmesan cheese, ensuring even coverage for a melty, cheesy consistency. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pasta, sauce, and cheeses, creating an appealing multi-layered dish that will please both the eyes and palate.
Once all your layers are assembled, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. The covered baking will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and ensure the pasta cooks through while retaining moisture.
After baking, carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese on top to get bubbly and golden. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before slicing. This not only helps to set the layers but also ensures an easier serving.
When serving, accompany your healthy lasagna casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to increase your vegetable intake. This dish not only satisfies your craving for comfort food but also provides a balanced meal filled with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
By replacing heavy, calorie-laden ingredients with lighter alternatives such as whole-grain pasta, lean beef, low-fat cheeses, and heart-healthy sauces, you can enjoy a wholesome version of lasagna that fuels your body without weighing you down. This healthy lasagna casserole is perfect for meal prep, family gatherings, or a cozy night at home, making it a versatile option for various occasions. Enjoy your delicious, guilt-free serving of lasagna, knowing you’ve made smart choices for your health while still indulging in a hearty classic.
Healthy Lasanga Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 8 oz pasta whole grain
- 1 tsp garlic mined
- 1 jar spaghetti sauce No Sugar Added, (regular-sized jar)
- 1 can mushrooms sliced
- 8 oz cottage cheese low-fat
- 7 oz mozzarella cheese shredded fat-free
- ½ cup parmesan cheese reduced fat grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375
- Cook pasta
- Cook the ground beef (add garlic and mushrooms) adding sauce when done
- In the bottom of a large casserole, put a few spoonfuls of sauce
- Arrange half of the pasta in the casserole dish
- Cover with all the cottage cheese (I added parsley to the cottage cheese first)
- Top with half of the sauce/meat
- Add half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Arrange in layers the remaining pasta, sauce, and mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes
- Carefully remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven for an additional 10 minutes
Nutrition
Nutrition information has been calculated using an autogenerating online calculation and is intended for informational purposes. For accurate nutritional information, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used.
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