Weight Watcher'S Best Lasagna In The World
A hearty, low-fat lasagna packed with rich tomato flavors, melted cheese, and savory beef, perfect for family dinners and those seeking a healthier Italian classic.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 1 to 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 packets Equal sweetener ⓘ
- 29 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz. can mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 3 1/2 c. water
- 12 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 9 oz. uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pan, brown the lean ground beef, chopped onion, seasoned salt, chili powder, and garlic powder.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, drained mushrooms, and water.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly.
- Mix together the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray or Pam.
- Layer 1/3 of the uncooked lasagna noodles at the bottom of the pan.
- Spread 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Pour 1/3 of the sauce mixture over the cheese layer.
- Sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let stand for a few minutes before cutting into 8 pieces.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of lean ground beef. You can also substitute low-fat cheese varieties to reduce calories. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can save preparation time, though you'll need to adjust the water content slightly. Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can elevate the flavors significantly.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a side of steamed vegetables can round out the meal nicely. For a comforting touch, consider serving with a bowl of Italian Meat Sauce For Pasta on the side for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna 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 (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Weight Watcher'S Best Lasagna In The World contains roughly 425 calories, with 22g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (135% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1244mg per serving (54% 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, this lasagna can be assembled a day in advance. 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's heated through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for ricotta. Just blend it until smooth for a similar texture. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist while keeping it creamy.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, make sure to layer the noodles properly and avoid overlapping them too much. Additionally, you can toss the uncooked noodles in a little olive oil before layering to help keep them separated during baking.
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).