Craving the ultimate comfort food without the extra calories? Get ready to fall in love with our Lower Fat Beef Lasagne - a mouthwatering twist on the classic Italian favorite that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor! This recipe is about to revolutionize your dinner game, delivering all the cheesy, saucy goodness you love, but with a lighter touch that will make both your taste buds and your waistline cheer.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagne cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This will be your cheese filling.
- Now it’s time to assemble the lasagne. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and marinara sauce mixture on the bottom of the dish. This will help prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture, a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and another layer of the beef and marinara sauce. Repeat the layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and sauce.
- For the final layer, place the remaining three lasagna noodles on top. Spread the remaining beef and marinara sauce over the noodles, and then sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This will help the lasagne cook evenly without burning the top.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Cut into squares and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious lower fat beef lasagne with a side salad or some garlic bread!
Tips
- Choose lean ground beef to keep the fat content low without compromising on taste.
- Don't overcook the lasagna noodles - aim for al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Let the lasagne rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help the layers set and make cutting easier.
- For extra flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the ricotta mixture.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the lasagne and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve.
- Use a sharp knife and a spatula when cutting and serving to maintain those beautiful layers.
- Consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and reduce dishes.
- For a perfect golden top, broil the lasagne for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking if the cheese isn't browning to your liking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
