Four Cheese Vegetable Lasagna(Low-Fat)
A flavorful low-fat lasagna packed with vegetables, four cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for a hearty, healthier Italian-inspired dinner that appeals to veggie lovers and cheese fans alike.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 12 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 c. broccoli ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. thin sliced carrots
- 1 c. green onions ⓘ
- garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 3 c. low-fat milk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Coat a Dutch oven or electric frypan with no-fat cooking spray and sauté vegetable oil, broccoli, carrots, green onion, and garlic powder over medium heat for 7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, bring flour and low-fat milk to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to the sauce.
- Cook for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the thawed and pressed spinach, reserving 1/2 cup of the mixture.
- In a bowl, combine low-fat cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and Swiss cheese.
- In a greased 13 x 9-inch baking pan, spread 1/2 cup of spinach mixture, then layer with 4 cooked lasagna noodles, 1/2 of the cheese mixture, 1/2 of the vegetable mixture, and 1/2 of the spinach mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ending with lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread the reserved 1/2 cup of spinach mixture over the top layer of noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the vegetable mixture. You can substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms based on your preference or availability. For a creamier sauce, blend in a little low-fat cream cheese with the cottage cheese. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the process.
Serving Suggestions
This Four Cheese Vegetable Lasagna pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. For an Italian-themed meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Spinach Bread. A light red wine can also complement the flavors nicely, enhancing your dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Four Cheese Vegetable Lasagna(Low-Fat) contains roughly 747 calories, with 27g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (138% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1479mg per serving (64% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! This lasagna can be frozen before or after baking. To freeze before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If frozen after baking, reheat directly from the freezer at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes.
What can I use instead of low-fat milk?
If you prefer a richer sauce, you can use unsweetened almond milk or soy milk as alternatives to low-fat milk. For a creamier texture, consider using a mixture of low-fat milk and a little Greek yogurt, ensuring it remains low in fat while adding a nice creaminess.
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).