Tops-Lite Lasagne
A light, flavorful lasagne featuring a savory ground meat and tomato sauce layered with cottage cheese and mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 pound lean ground steak ⓘ
- 1 can (1 pound 12 ounces) plum tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 6 lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups dry cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 medium egg ⓘ
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into 6 slices ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine water, chopped onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until vegetables are tender and water has evaporated.
- Add lean ground steak and saute slowly until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, minced parsley, salt, and dried oregano.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of lean ground steak. You can also substitute part-skim ricotta for dry cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagne noodles can save you some hassle. Remember to adjust seasoning based on your taste preferences, especially if using low-sodium canned tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For added flavor, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a side of soup, like Soup Tortellini, to enhance the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispier texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tops-Lite Lasagne contains roughly 705 calories, with 29g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (123% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (70% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1117mg per serving (49% 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 use other types of cheese in this lasagne?
Absolutely! You can mix and match cheeses based on your preference. For example, adding ricotta or provolone can enhance the flavor. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as it may affect the overall consistency of the lasagne.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this lasagne vegetarian, simply replace the ground steak with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or eggplant for added texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
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).