Best 8 Light And Delicious Lasagna Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with our light and delicious lasagna, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This delectable dish features a harmonious blend of lean ground turkey, roasted vegetables, and a creamy homemade sauce, all nestled between layers of delicate lasagna noodles. Our recipe offers a healthier take on the classic lasagna, using wholesome ingredients and reduced-fat options without compromising on taste. Accompany your lasagna with a refreshing side salad or crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Additionally, you'll find a collection of delightful lasagna variations within this article, including a vegetarian option packed with colorful vegetables, a seafood lasagna brimming with shrimp and succulent fish, and a tempting white lasagna that showcases a creamy béchamel sauce. With so many options to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect lasagna recipe to suit your preferences and create a memorable dining experience.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

BEST LASAGNA



Best Lasagna image

Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. -Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h50m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

9 lasagna noodles
1-1/4 pounds bulk Italian sausage
3/4 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (one 28 ounces, one 15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
2 cans (6 ounces each) tomato paste
2/3 cup water
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, divided
2 teaspoons dried basil
3/4 teaspoon fennel seed
3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook sausage, beef and onion over medium heat 8-10 minutes or until meat is no longer pink, breaking up meat into crumbles. Add garlic; cook 1 minute. Drain., Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, 3 tablespoons parsley, basil, fennel, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes, stirring occasionally., In a small bowl, mix egg, ricotta cheese and remaining parsley and salt., Preheat oven to 375°. Spread 2 cups meat sauce into an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Layer with 3 noodles and a third of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining meat sauce and cheeses (dish will be full)., Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 25 minutes longer or until bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 519 calories, Fat 27g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 109mg cholesterol, Sodium 1013mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 35g protein.

THE MOST AMAZING LASAGNA RECIPE



The Most Amazing Lasagna Recipe image

The Most Amazing Lasagna Recipe is the best recipe for homemade Italian-style lasagna. The balance between layers of cheese, noodles, and homemade bolognese sauce is perfection!

Provided by Rachel Farnsworth

Categories     Main Dish

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 23

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
1 pound lean ground beef
1 large white onion (diced)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons white sugar
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 pound lasagna noodles
30 ounces ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound thinly sliced mozzarella cheese (about 24 slices)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a large pot over medium heat, add in ground sausage and ground beef. Use a spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Add in onion and garlic and cook until meat is well browned, stirring constantly. Stir in sugar, fresh basil, fennel, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley. Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and wine*. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer 1-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, place lasagna noodles into the bottom of a pan. Pour hot tap water directly over the noodles, making sure the pasta is completely immersed in the water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, then drain and discard water.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining 2 tablespoons parsley, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg. Refrigerate until ready to assemble lasagna.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease a deep 9x13 pan.
  • To assemble, spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Place 4 noodles on top. Spread with 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with 1/4 of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Repeat layering two more times to create three complete layers. To finish, place a final layer of pasta, topped with another 1 cup of meat sauce to cover the pasta. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes to allow cheese to brown. Serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 834 kcal, Carbohydrate 54 g, Protein 63 g, Fat 39 g, SaturatedFat 19 g, Cholesterol 174 mg, Sodium 1514 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving

DEADLY DELICIOUS LASAGNA



Deadly Delicious Lasagna image

This is possibly the most fattening, but also most delicious, lasagna ever!

Provided by Paul Kahl

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h10m

Yield 18

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
1 pound pork sausage
2 pounds ricotta cheese
3 (26 ounce) jars spaghetti sauce
1 pound grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound shredded mozzarella cheese
½ pound spinach, rinsed and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain and lay noodles on a paper towel.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sausage, spicing to taste, until no longer pink, and reserve.
  • In a large bowl, mix the ricotta and 2 jars of spaghetti sauce. In a medium bowl, mix the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
  • Stir all but one cup of the cheese mixture into the ricotta mixture; stir in the sausage and chopped spinach.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Coat the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a thin layer of spaghetti sauce. Lay 3 to 4 noodles lengthwise and side by side; then lay 3 to 4 noodles overlapping and in a staggered pattern on top.
  • Add a generous layer of the sausage/cheese; repeat layers twice, until they have reach 1/2 inch from the top of the baking dish. Layer noodles on top of the lasagna and coat in the last jar of spaghetti sauce. Cover with last cup of cheese mixture and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown. Slice and serve, and then see a dietician... It's deadly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 575 calories, Carbohydrate 38.7 g, Cholesterol 87.4 mg, Fat 33.4 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 16.5 g, Sodium 1262 mg, Sugar 12.2 g

CLASSIC LASAGNA



Classic Lasagna image

While not a 30-minute meal, this lasagna is quicker and more straightforward than most. If you're in a real time crunch, use your favorite jarred red sauce. For greater success with the lasagna noodles, which have a tendency to stick together, boil them in the largest pot possible or work in batches - they need as much water as possible to move freely so they don't clump. This lasagna can be assembled, baked and refrigerated up to five days ahead, or frozen up to a month ahead if wrapped tightly.

Provided by Alison Roman

Categories     dinner, weekday, weeknight, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 2h

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage, sweet or hot (optional), casings removed
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can whole, peeled tomatoes
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
Kosher salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh mozzarella, grated or shredded into small pieces
16 ounces (2 cups) whole milk ricotta
1 cup coarsely grated Parmesan, plus more for sprinkling on top (optional)
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground pepper
1 pound dried lasagna noodles (not the no-boil variety)
Olive oil

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sausage, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until it's starting to brown but not yet crisp, about 5 minutes.
  • Add onion and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is totally softened and translucent (without letting it brown), 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato paste and continue to cook, stirring until the tomato paste has turned a deeper brick red color, tinting the oil and onions a fiery orange color, about 2 minutes.
  • Using your hands, crush the whole tomatoes into smaller, bite-size pieces and add them and the crushed tomatoes, stirring to scrape up any bits from the bottom of the pot. Fill one of the tomato cans halfway with water and add it to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato sauce has thickened and flavors have come together, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Make the lasagna: Heat oven to 375 degrees and set a large pot of salted water to boil.
  • Set aside 1 cup mozzarella. In a medium bowl, combine remaining mozzarella, ricotta, 1 cup Parmesan and cream; season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  • Cook lasagna noodles in the large pot of salted boiling water until just softened (before they are even aldente), about 4 minutes. Drain and separate any noodles that are trying to stick together, slicking them with a bit of olive oil to prevent them from sticking further.
  • Spoon a bit of sauce on the bottom of a 3-quart baking dish and top with a layer of noodles, avoiding any heavy overlap.
  • Top with about 1 ¼ cups of sauce, and dollop ¼ of the cheese mixture over. Top with another layer of noodles and repeat three more times, ending with the last of the noodles (depending on size of the noodle/shape of the baking dish, you may have a few extra noodles) and the last of the sauce. Top with reserved 1 cup mozzarella and more Parmesan, if you like.
  • Cover loosely with aluminum foil and place baking dish on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet (to prevent any overflow from burning on the bottom of your oven).
  • Bake until pasta is completely tender and cooked through and sauce is bubbling up around the edges, 30 to 40 minutes. Remove foil and increase temperature to 450 degrees. Continue to bake until lasagna is golden brown on top with frilly, crispy edges and corners, another 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 938, UnsaturatedFat 29 grams, Carbohydrate 61 grams, Fat 58 grams, Fiber 6 grams, Protein 44 grams, SaturatedFat 26 grams, Sodium 1333 milligrams, Sugar 11 grams

WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA



World's Best Lasagna image

It takes a little work, but it is worth it.

Provided by John Chandler

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 3h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 pound sweet Italian sausage
¾ pound lean ground beef
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided, or to taste
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
¾ pound mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, cook sausage, ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until well browned. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with sugar, basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, remaining parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • To assemble, spread 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over meat sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups meat sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 448.2 calories, Carbohydrate 36.5 g, Cholesterol 81.8 mg, Fat 21.3 g, Fiber 4 g, Protein 29.7 g, SaturatedFat 9.9 g, Sodium 1400.4 mg, Sugar 8.6 g

HEALTHIER WORLD'S BEST LASAGNA



Healthier World's Best Lasagna image

This truly is the World's Best Lasagna! I love this recipe but I am always looking for ways to take out the fat when I cook. I substituted lean ground turkey and turkey sausage for the meat. I also used lite mozzarella and cut out the egg and salt.

Provided by MakeItHealthy

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Turkey     Ground Turkey Recipes

Time 3h15m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 pound turkey sausage
¾ pound lean ground turkey
½ cup minced onion
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
2 (6.5 ounce) cans canned tomato sauce
½ cup water
1 ½ teaspoons dried basil leaves
½ teaspoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
12 lasagna noodles
16 ounces ricotta cheese
¾ pound low fat mozzarella cheese, sliced
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Heat a Dutch oven or large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir turkey sausage, ground turkey, onion, and garlic until well browned, about 15 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Season with basil, fennel seeds, Italian seasoning, pepper, and 2 tablespoons parsley. Simmer, uncovered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Spread 1 1/2 cups turkey sauce in bottom of 9x13 baking dish. Arrange 6 noodles lengthwise over sauce. Spread half the ricotta over noodles. Top with a third of the mozzarella cheese slices. Spoon 1 1/2 cups turkey sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover with aluminum foil; make sure foil does not touch cheese to prevent sticking.
  • Bake in preheated oven until sauce is hot and cheese is melted, about 25 minutes more. Remove foil and bake until cheese is golden brown, about 25 minutes. Cool 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390.3 calories, Carbohydrate 33.4 g, Cholesterol 80.8 mg, Fat 15.4 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 33.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 1129.3 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

LIGHTER LASAGNA



Lighter Lasagna image

A lighter version of a classic. If you want to use regular lasagna noodles and boil them first, omit the vegetable juice.

Provided by ZOO66

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h45m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
1 egg
cooking spray
1 onion, chopped
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chopped mushrooms
1 cup shredded carrots
1 pound ground turkey breast
1 (26 ounce) jar low-fat pasta sauce (such as Healthy Request®)
1 cup water
1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
6 no-boil lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
1 cup tomato-vegetable juice cocktail

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Mix the spinach, cottage cheese, and egg in a large bowl.
  • Place a large skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the onion, garlic, mushrooms, and carrot until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground turkey, and stir until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Pour the pasta sauce and water into the skillet. Season with rosemary,oregano, and basil. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes.
  • Spray a 9x13 baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Spread 1/3 of the sauce on the bottom of the pan, and top with 3 noodles. Spoon an additional 1/3 of the sauce on the noodles; top with the spinach mixture. Sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese. Top with remaining 3 noodles and the rest of the sauce. Pour the vegetable juice evenly over the lasagna, and top with the remaining mozzarella. Cover the dish with foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 263.2 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Cholesterol 73.9 mg, Fat 9.2 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 25.4 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 663.1 mg, Sugar 6.4 g

EASY LASAGNA II



Easy Lasagna II image

My family loves lasagna, but sometimes I lack the time for the long version. This is easy and satisfies everyone. Try it tonight!

Provided by Joanie Heger

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h25m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound lean ground beef
1 (32 ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
32 ounces cottage cheese
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste
9 lasagna noodles
½ cup water

Steps:

  • In a large skillet over medium heat brown the ground beef. Drain the grease. Add spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese, eggs, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt and ground black pepper.
  • To assemble, in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish evenly spread 3/4 cup of the sauce mixture. Cover with 3 uncooked lasagna noodles, 1 3/4 cup of the cheese mixture, and 1/4 cup sauce. Repeat layers once more: top with 3 noodles, remaining sauce, remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Add 1/2 cup water to the edges of the pan. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree F(175 degrees C) oven for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 376.9 calories, Carbohydrate 26.4 g, Cholesterol 89.5 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 870.3 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality lasagna noodle that will hold its shape when cooked.
  • Don't overcook the noodles. They should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a flavorful sauce that will complement the other ingredients in the lasagna.
  • Layer the lasagna in a way that ensures that each bite has a good balance of noodles, sauce, cheese, and meat (if using).
  • Bake the lasagna at a high temperature initially to help set the cheese, then reduce the temperature to finish cooking the lasagna through.
  • Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Conclusion:

Lasagna is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're looking for a classic lasagna recipe or something a little more unique, there's sure to be a recipe in this article that you'll love. So next time you're in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal, give one of these lasagna recipes a try.

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