Linda'S Low-Fat Lasagna
A hearty low-fat lasagna featuring lean beef, fresh cheeses, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 large jar thick Ragu sauce ⓘ
- 1 package raw lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- oregano to taste ⓘ
- nonstick cooking spray ⓘ
- large nonfat Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb nonfat grated Mozzarella ⓘ
- La Pecorina Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 heritage egg beaten ⓘ
- 1 cup water
- bacon bits ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a fry pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Saute garlic and chopped onion until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch pan and spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom.
- Layer in the following order: raw lasagna noodles, ground beef, ricotta cheese, bacon bits, mozzarella, and grated cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times.
- Pour water around the sides of the pan.
- Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
- Let stand for 20 minutes before serving to set.
Tips & Substitutions
To reduce cooking time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of the raw variety. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or lentils. If you want extra flavor, consider adding fresh basil or spinach to the layers. Using Ann'S Authentic Spaghetti Sauce can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light sprinkle of fresh herbs on top adds a lovely touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Traditional Minestrone or a simple marinara sauce for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Low-Fat Lasagna contains roughly 277 calories, with 11g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 7g 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze Linda's Low-Fat Lasagna?
Absolutely! After baking, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake until heated through.
What can I substitute for nonfat Ricotta cheese?
For a similar texture and flavor, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a dairy-free ricotta made from blended tofu. This will still keep the dish light while providing the creamy layer that lasagna is known for.
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).