How To Make High-Protein Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic comfort food, but it can often be a high-carb, low-protein meal. This high-protein version is a game-changer, offering a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy this beloved dish while also getting a boost of protein. This article will guide you through making a cheesy, saucy, and protein-packed lasagna that is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.
The Secret to a High-Protein, Low-Carb Lasagna
The key to this recipe is the use of high-protein noodles and other high-protein ingredients to create a lasagna that is both delicious and nutritious. This recipe uses high-protein lasagna noodles, such as those made from lentils or chickpeas, along with a creamy ricotta filling made with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt to pack a serious protein punch.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is designed to be simple and foolproof, even for those who are new to high-protein cooking. The use of oven-ready high-protein noodles makes this recipe incredibly easy to assemble. The result is a delicious and satisfying lasagna that is cheesy, saucy, and packed with protein. Each serving of this lasagna contains a significant amount of protein, making it a great way to fuel your body and keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Full Recipe
This recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a healthy twist.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 50-60 minutes | 8-10 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground turkey or lean ground beef | 1 pound |
| Onion, chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Marinara sauce | 1 (24-ounce) jar |
| Cottage cheese | 1 (15-ounce) container |
| Greek yogurt, plain | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/2 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| High-protein oven-ready lasagna noodles | 1 (9-ounce) box |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 2 cups |
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium-high heat until the turkey is browned and the onion is tender. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange a layer of the high-protein lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This high-protein lasagna is a complete meal in itself, but it also pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad.
Tips and Variations
- High-Protein Noodles: There are many different types of high-protein lasagna noodles available, such as those made from lentils or chickpeas. Choose your favorite or experiment with different types to find the one you like best.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground turkey and add some sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce.
- Add Some Spice: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the lasagna for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
This high-protein lasagna is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. It’s a simple and satisfying recipe that is perfect for any occasion. So, get your apron on and get ready to enjoy a delicious and comforting homemade lasagna.
References
[1] The Healthy Maven. (n.d.). High Protein Lasagna. Retrieved from https://www.thehealthymaven.com/high-protein-lasagna/
