Whole Wheat Lasagna
Whole wheat lasagna offers a hearty, wholesome twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines robust flavors with nutritious ingredients, satisfying both comfort food lovers and health-conscious diners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large saucepan; drain excess grease.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add sugar, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Stir in the tomato halves, tomato paste, and one can of water.
- Simmer the sauce uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce simmers, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; do not over boil.
- Drain the cooked noodles and set aside.
- Layer the lasagna starting with a thin layer of sauce in a baking dish.
- Lay down 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce.
- Add a layer of sauce over the noodles, then spread cottage cheese evenly.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, until ingredients are used.
- Finish with a layer of sauce topped with shredded mozzarella and a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese bubbles, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Serve hot, paired with tossed salad and garlic bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or use lentils for a vegetarian option. If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta works well too. Consider adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor. Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent mushiness when baking. If you're short on time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty Whole Wheat Lasagna hot, paired with a fresh tossed salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It also pairs beautifully with Minestrone Soup With Ground Beef for a comforting dinner. For a special touch, try adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy it with a glass of red wine for the perfect Italian dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture. Lasagna can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Lasagna contains roughly 139 calories, with 7g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 979mg per serving (43% 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 with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce as a substitute. Just keep in mind that using crushed tomatoes may result in a slightly thinner sauce, so you might want to simmer it a bit longer to thicken.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of feta for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the total amount of cheese remains similar to avoid altering the texture of the lasagna.
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).