Low Calorie Spinach Lasagne
A flavorful low-calorie spinach lasagne featuring lean beef, fresh spinach, and light cheese layers, perfect for healthy dinners that satisfy craving for comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 1/2 cups tomato puree ⓘ
- Salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 (6 oz) lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a pan with nonstick vegetable spray and brown the ground beef. Remove and set aside, reserving 1 teaspoon of drippings.
- Add chopped onion to the pan and sauté until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return the browned beef to the pan and add oregano, basil, tomato puree, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- While the sauce simmers, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, mix thawed chopped spinach, low-fat cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- In a 9-inch square baking dish, layer one-third of the spinach mixture at the bottom.
- Place two lasagna noodles over the spinach layer, then spread a portion of the meat sauce. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 to 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for some heat. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. For a creamier texture, try using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese. Ensure the lasagna noodles are cooked al dente to retain their structure during baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Low Calorie Spinach Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread or a simple vegetable medley for added nutrition. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider complementing it with a glass of red wine or sparkling water.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low Calorie Spinach Lasagne contains roughly 1064 calories, with 38g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (194% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (116% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1097mg per serving (48% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
Can I freeze the lasagne?
Absolutely! This spinach lasagne can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then follow the baking instructions.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
If you're looking for alternatives to ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian lasagne, consider using lentils, crumbled tofu, or even a mixture of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to create a hearty filling.
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).