Turkey Lasagna(Low Calorie)
A flavorful low-calorie turkey lasagna packed with vegetables, herbs, and cheese, perfect for healthy family dinners or meal prep with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. freshly ground turkey, skin removed before grinding ⓘ
- 3 cups no-salt-added tomato sauce
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen no-salt added chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry ⓘ
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- dash of nutmeg ⓘ
- 8 oz. lasagna noodles
- 8 oz. part-skim mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with vegetable oil.
- In a large skillet, sauté chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic until tender.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in tomato sauce, basil, oregano, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine defrosted spinach, low-fat cottage cheese, and a dash of nutmeg.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Layer the ingredients in the prepared dish: spread a layer of meat sauce, then noodles, then the spinach-cheese mixture, and repeat.
- Top with grated part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the mushrooms in a splash of white wine before adding the turkey. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the turkey with a mix of lentils and additional vegetables. Be mindful of the lasagna noodles; whole wheat or gluten-free varieties can be used for a healthier option. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to add basil or parsley as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this turkey lasagna with a fresh side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Jeanne'S Pasta And Peppers for an Italian-inspired dinner. If you want to elevate the dish, consider a light drizzle of balsamic reduction on top before serving to add a touch of sweetness and acidity.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover turkey lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, individual portions can be microwaved for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Lasagna(Low Calorie) contains roughly 289 calories, with 10g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (53% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1209mg per serving (53% 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. Simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, as it will be cold when placed in the oven.
Can I freeze this turkey lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna 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 in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt is another great option for a tangy flavor and added protein. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning slightly to account for the different flavors.
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).