Fat-Free And Guilt-Free Lasagna
A flavorful, guilt-free lasagna packed with vegetables, low-fat cheeses, and herbs, perfect for a healthy, satisfying vegetarian meal suitable for all ages.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. mushrooms
- 1 lb. shredded carrots ⓘ
- 3/4 c. pitted olives (optional) ⓘ
- 15 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. no fat cottage cheese or fat-free Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 Egg Beaters ⓘ
- 1 lb. broccoli ⓘ
- 2 lb. spinach, cooked ⓘ
- 1 lb. (12 oz.) no fat Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Saute minced garlic and onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add sliced mushrooms and shredded carrots, cooking until tender.
- Stir in pitted olives (if using), tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for a few minutes.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Layer cooked noodles over the sauce.
- Spread a layer of cottage cheese or ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add cooked spinach and broccoli, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheeses and sauce.
- Repeat layers: noodles, cheese mixture, vegetables, and sauce, ending with a layer of noodles topped with remaining sauce and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle nonfat mozzarella cheese on top as desired.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using spiralized zucchini instead of lasagna noodles. You can also substitute the no fat Monterey Jack cheese with a low-fat option for a creamier texture. Adding spices like red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor. If you want to add some heat, try pairing this with the Pungent Pasta For Two.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian twist, serve alongside the Italian recipes for a themed dinner. A sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top before serving can add a burst of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but for the best texture, the oven is preferred.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat-Free And Guilt-Free Lasagna contains roughly 893 calories, with 24g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 68g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (81% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 926mg per serving (40% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time if you bake it straight from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture, you can substitute cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version. Both options will maintain a creamy consistency in the layers.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).