One of the best things about lasagna is that kids and adults love it. The second best thing about lasagna recipes is that you can practically hide almost any vegetable within the layers for the kids to eat. I consider this to be a healthy lasagna recipe because it includes vegetables and subs ground chicken for ground beef for reduced fat. It also uses low fat dairy products and whole wheat pasta as healthier options.
Please keep in mind that I am not a nutritionist and I use the term healthy to mean it has healthier ingredient options but consult with a qualified health professional about any diet concerns or questions.
Along with the ingredients below, try sliced squash, zucchini, and/or mushrooms in the lasagna layers. Spinach is another good idea. There are a number of different ways to try and “up” the nutrient value here, so feel free to experiment with the lasagna recipe. Your kids may never know and you will get healthier, tastier lasagna.
Healthy Lasagna Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb box ready-to-bake whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups chunky garden spaghetti sauce
- 16 oz low fat ricotta cheese
- 3 cups low-fat mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- 1 cup sauteed sliced zucchini or other vegetables
Lasagna Preparation Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Cook meat in skillet on medium heat until about halfway done and add garlic. Sauté until no longer pink. Drain grease from pan. Remove from heat.
In a lasagna pan, layer sauce, meat, noodles, ricotta, vegetables, and cheese.
Repeat layers ending with layer of cheese.
Cover with foil.
Bake for 30 – 40 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until edges are bubbly and cheese is starting to brown on top.
Remove from oven and let stand for at 10 minutes before serving. This allows lasagna to cool and flavors to come together a bit.
Printable Healthy Lasagna Recipe Card
Healthy Lasagna Recipe
A healthier version of a traditional lasagna.
Ingredients
- 1 lb box ready-to-bake whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 3 cups chunky garden spaghetti sauce
- 16 oz low fat ricotta cheese
- 3 cups low-fat mozzarella or Italian cheese blend
- 1 cup sauteed sliced zucchini or other vegetables
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Cook meat in skillet on medium heat until about halfway done and add garlic. Sauté until no longer pink. Drain grease from pan. Remove from heat.
- In a lasagna pan, layer sauce, meat, noodles, ricotta, vegetables, and cheese.
- Repeat layers ending with layer of cheese.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 - 40 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until edges are bubbly and cheese is starting to brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let stand for at 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Healthy Lasagna Recipe
Serves: 6
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 slice
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 844.15 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 41.01 g | 63.1% | |
| Saturated Fat 21.02 g | 105% | |
| Trans Fat 0.86 g | ||
| Cholesterol 160.68 mg | 53.3% | |
| Sodium 1093.34 mg | 45.5% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 70.81 g | 23.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.6 g | 8% | |
| Sugars 8.18 g | ||
| Protein 52.48 g | ||
| Vitamin A 36.12 % | Vitamin C 7.39 % | |
| Calcium 68.73 % | Iron 28.25 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
I like the zucchini slices because they are a healthy vegetable that is not very noticeable and then the sauce can be full of veggies to without little picky eaters noticing or complaining.
Conclusion
Making lasagna healthier can be achieved by incorporating more vegetables, using whole grain noodles, opting for lean proteins, and reducing the amount of cheese. A healthier lasagna can be just as delicious as traditional lasagna, and sometimes even more flavorful due to the variety of ingredients. The nuttiness of whole grain noodles, the savory sweetness of vegetables, the lightness of lean proteins, and the creamy tanginess of part-skim cheeses all come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.
Do you think you will try this healthy lasagna recipe? What veggies will you use?
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