Lasagne(Lite Cooking)
A lighter take on classic lasagne, this dish layers tender noodles with a flavorful meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella for a satisfying meal. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, it combines fresh herbs and simple ingredients for a comforting, wholesome Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Crisco oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans stewed tomatoes (no salt) ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. dried basil leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 8 oz. wide lasagne noodles
- 1 cup (4 oz.) shredded low moisture part skim Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir chopped onions and minced garlic in Crisco oil until tender.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed basil leaves, sugar, and black pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Combine low-fat cottage cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese; set aside.
- Cook lasagne noodles in unsalted boiling water for 7 minutes, then drain.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Top with remaining sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use whole wheat lasagne noodles for added fiber. For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A nice glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish. For a twist, try serving it alongside Quick And Sassy Spaghetti Sauce for a fun pasta night. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the lasagne with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes on high, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne(Lite Cooking) contains roughly 231 calories, with 12g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 prepare lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. When ready to cook, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze lasagne?
Absolutely! Lasagne freezes well. After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 60-75 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
What can I substitute for low-fat cottage cheese?
If you don’t have low-fat cottage cheese, you can replace it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, try using tofu blended until smooth with a bit of lemon juice for flavor. This can help maintain the richness of the lasagne while catering to dietary needs.
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).