Lasagna Lite Recipe π
Prepare for a delightful culinary adventure with this “Lasagna Lite” recipe, a wholesome take on the classic Italian favorite. Perfectly balanced with lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and layers of gooey cheese, this dish is a celebration of flavor without the guilt! Inspired by a recipe from Self magazine, it’s a fantastic option for those seeking a lighter, yet incredibly satisfying, lasagna experience. π
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 206.8 per serving
Rating: βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Ingredients π₯¦
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 9 | Lasagna Noodles |
| 1/2 | Onion |
| 3 | Garlic Cloves |
| 1 | Pound Ground Turkey |
| 1 | Cup Mushrooms |
| 1 | Green Pepper |
| 1 | Can Diced Tomatoes |
| 1 | Can Tomato Sauce |
| 1 | Teaspoon Oregano |
| 1 | Teaspoon Basil |
| 1/2 | Teaspoon Dried Parsley |
| 6 | Cups Fresh Spinach |
| 2 | Cups Fat-Free Ricotta Cheese |
| 3 | Tablespoons Dried Chives |
| 8 | Ounces Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese |
Instructions π
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Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) to get things started.
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Prepare a large nonstick frying pan by giving it a light spray of vegetable cooking spray.
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SautΓ© the finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
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Add in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, until it’s just about done, which should take roughly 4 minutes. If you’re using precooked and rinsed turkey, skip this step and move on to the next.
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Toss in the sliced mushrooms, cooking them with the turkey for an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
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Introduce the diced green pepper, tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, parsley, and a dash of fresh ground black pepper to the mix. Let it all simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a delicious sauce.
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Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside while you move on to the next steps.
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Meanwhile, in a separate large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous spritz of vegetable cooking spray to the water to prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking.
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Cook the lasagna noodles in the boiling water until they are just tender, following the package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set them aside.
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Prepare the creamy ricotta filling by combining the fat-free ricotta cheese with the dried chives in a mixing bowl. Gently fold in the fresh spinach, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for that burst of green goodness in every bite.
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Assemble your lasagna in a 9×13-inch baking pan, starting with a layer of lasagna noodles at the bottom.
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Spread a third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a third of the turkey and vegetable sauce, and then sprinkle on a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Repeat these layers twice more, creating a beautiful lasagna tower of flavor and texture.
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Slide the assembled masterpiece into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly, tempting you with its gooey perfection.
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Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before diving in. This brief rest allows the flavors to settle and ensures your lasagna holds together beautifully when you slice into it.
Tips & Tricks π‘
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Make Ahead: This lasagna is a fantastic meal prep option. Prepare it ahead of time, cover tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. You can also freeze individual portions for future mealsβsimply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Turkey Tip: To further reduce the fat content, consider cooking the ground turkey breast separately. Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to remove excess fat, then press dry with paper towels before adding it to the sauce.
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Cheese Variations: Feel free to play around with the cheeses in this recipe. Swap out the mozzarella for a blend of your favorites, such as provolone, fontina, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra flavor kick.
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Veggie Bonanza: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the vegetable mix. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even thinly sliced eggplant make excellent additions or substitutions to suit your tastes.
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Herbaceous Delight: Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of thyme can elevate the flavors of this lasagna. Add them to the ricotta mixture or sprinkle over each layer for an extra burst of freshness.
Serving Suggestions π½οΈ
When it’s time to serve up this Lasagna Lite, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. And of course, don’t forget to pour a glass of your favorite wine or sparkling water to toast to the chefβYOU!
So there you have it, a scrumptious, lightened-up lasagna recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, this Lasagna Lite is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Buon appetito! π·β¨
