Are you craving lasagna but worried about the calories? Look no further! This Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna is a delicious and lighter version of the traditional dish. At only 8 Weight Watchers Points, you can enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for a family dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves lasagna but wants a healthier option. It’s easy to prepare and uses fresh ingredients that make it both nutritious and satisfying. With lean ground beef, plenty of veggies, and reduced cheese, you get all the goodness of lasagna without the extra calories. It’s a great way to stay on track with your health goals while still enjoying your favorite comfort food!
How to Make Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna
Making Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna is simple and fun. You just need to follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy dish ready to serve in no time!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 1 zucchini (peeled and diced)
- ½ sweet yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 5 Barilla Oven-Ready lasagna sheets (broken roughly into 8-12 pieces)
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (optional)
- 1½ cups non-fat shredded Italian cheese blend
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
Directions:
- In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the carrots and celery for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced onion and zucchini and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the zucchini has softened.
- Add the garlic and thyme, stir, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and cook for 2-4 minutes until browned. Stir to break up any chunks of meat.
- Stir in the tomatoes, water, and tomato paste. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the pasta pieces and mozzarella pearls (if using), and stir.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Turn the oven to broil. Top the beef mixture with the Italian Cheese Blend and broil until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
- Serve with a side salad and buttery crostini. Enjoy!
How to Serve Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna
This lasagna can be served as a main dish. Pair it with a fresh side salad for added crunch and nutrients. It also works well with garlic bread or toasted crostini drizzled with a bit of butter and herbs.
How to Store Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving!
Tips to Make Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply replace the meat with more veggies or plant-based protein.
- Always taste your sauce before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
Variation
You can switch up the meats in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken are excellent substitutes for beef. You can also customize the cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones?
Yes, you can use regular lasagna noodles. However, you will need to pre-cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the lasagna.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna sheets to make this dish gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients, like broth and tomato paste, are also gluten-free.
Skinny Cheat’s Lasagna
Ingredients
Vegetable Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium carrots (diced)
- 2 ribs celery (diced)
- 1 medium zucchini (peeled and diced)
- ½ medium sweet yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)
Meat and Tomato Ingredients
- 1 pound 90% lean ground beef (or chicken/turkey) Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for variations.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (undrained, 1 can)
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup tomato paste
Pasta Ingredients
- 5 sheets Barilla Oven-Ready lasagna sheets (broken into 8-12 pieces) Can substitute with regular lasagna noodles, precooked.
Cheese Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls (optional) Use if desired for extra cheesiness.
- 1½ cups non-fat shredded Italian cheese blend
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sauté the carrots and celery for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the diced onion and zucchini, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the zucchini has softened.
- Add the garlic and thyme, stir, and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the beef and cook for 2-4 minutes until browned, stirring to break up any chunks of meat.
- Stir in the tomatoes, water, and tomato paste, tasting and seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta pieces and mozzarella pearls (if using), and stir.
Cooking
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Remove the lid and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Turn the oven to broil and top the beef mixture with the Italian Cheese Blend. Broil until the cheese has melted and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil.
