Healthy Comfort Lasagna
Enjoy a guilt-free twist on a classic favorite with this Healthy Comfort Lasagna. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Midwest Living magazine, this dish is designed to satisfy even the most selective eaters. Packed with lean ground sirloin and a delicious medley of mushrooms and spices, this lasagna is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this layered dish brings wholesome ingredients together to create a meal that will impress everyone at the table, including those who claim to dislike mushrooms. While it requires a bit of time to prepare, the end result is a nourishing and delightful lasagna that’s worth every minute spent in the kitchen.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground sirloin
1/2 lb (browned and drained)
Mushrooms, sliced
1 cup (fresh)
Onion, chopped
1 cup (fresh)
Garlic cloves, minced
2 (fresh)
Stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 (16 ounce) can (undrained)
Tomato sauce
1 (16 ounce) can (plain)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
Dried basil, crushed
1 teaspoon (dried)
Dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon (dried)
Fennel seed, crushed
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Red pepper, crushed
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Egg whites, beaten
2 (fresh)
Skim milk ricotta cheese
1 cup (plain)
Parmesan cheese, grated
1/2 cup (fresh)
Lasagna noodles
6 (cooked and drained)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
4 ounces (fresh)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sirloin, sliced mushrooms, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2
Add the undrained stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, oregano, crushed fennel seed, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 35 minutes, allowing it to thicken while stirring occasionally.
4
While the sauce simmers, prepare the ricotta filling by mixing the beaten egg whites, skim milk ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl until smooth.
5
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the lasagna noodles until just tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray an 11x7x2 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
7
Begin layering by placing 3 lasagna noodles at the bottom of the baking dish (trim them if necessary). Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the sauce mixture, and sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
8
Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ricotta mixture, and sauce (set aside the mozzarella for later).
9
Finish by sprinkling the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.
11
After 35 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved mozzarella cheese over the lasagna. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12
Allow the lasagna to sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period enhances the flavors and makes for cleaner cuts.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
33g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Healthy Comfort Lasagna?
It is a guilt-free twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring lean ground sirloin, mushrooms, and wholesome spices to create a nourishing family meal.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished dish featured in Midwest Living magazine.
Is this lasagna suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is designed to satisfy even the most selective eaters, including those who claim to dislike mushrooms.
What type of meat is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of lean ground sirloin, which should be browned and drained.
How are the mushrooms prepared?
One cup of fresh mushrooms is sliced and browned in a skillet with the meat and aromatics.
What aromatics are used for the base sauce?
The sauce starts with one cup of chopped fresh onion and two minced garlic cloves.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce can of undrained stewed tomatoes and a 16-ounce can of plain tomato sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer uncovered for about 35 minutes to allow it to thicken properly.
What spices are included in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes dried basil, dried oregano, crushed fennel seed, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to the sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What ingredients make up the ricotta filling?
The filling is a smooth mixture of two beaten egg whites, one cup of skim milk ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Why are egg whites used instead of whole eggs?
Egg whites are used to keep the recipe lower in fat and cholesterol while still acting as a binder for the cheese.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The lasagna is topped with shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
How many lasagna noodles are needed?
The recipe requires 6 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking dish should be used?
An 11x7x2 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
The dish should be lightly sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent the noodles from sticking.
How do you layer the lasagna?
Layer 3 noodles at the bottom, followed by half the ricotta mixture, half the sauce, and half the mozzarella, then repeat.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first 35 minutes of baking.
When is the final layer of mozzarella added?
Remove the foil after 35 minutes, add the remaining mozzarella, and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
How long should the lasagna rest after cooking?
It is recommended to let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing to enhance flavors and ensure cleaner cuts.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in this lasagna?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
One serving provides 33 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This lasagna is high in protein, providing 20 grams per serving.
Is this recipe considered low fat?
Yes, with only 10g of fat per serving and the use of lean sirloin and skim milk ricotta, it fits into a low-fat category.
Can I prepare the noodles in advance?
Yes, the noodles are boiled and rinsed under cold water to stop cooking before assembly.
What gives the sauce its spice?
The sauce gets a subtle kick from crushed red pepper and freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe good for family dinners?
Absolutely, it is categorized as a family meal and comfort food, perfect for a cozy dinner.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 distinct ingredients used to create this healthy lasagna.