Cozy High Protein Beef Lasagna is a classic Italian dinner layered with lean ground beef, ricotta cheese, and lots of mozzarella.
You’ll need olive oil, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried herbs, lasagna noodles, and two kinds of cheese to put this dish together.
A large pot for boiling the noodles and a 9×13 inch baking dish help make prepping and baking simple.
Each slice has the right mix of meat and cheese for a filling main course that works for family dinners or meal prep.
This lasagna is high in protein from the beef and ricotta, so it’s both hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy High Protein Beef Lasagna
Hearty Layers
Every slice has plenty of beef, creamy cheese, and just enough sauce to keep things balanced.
High Protein
Made with lean ground beef and ricotta cheese, each serving packs a protein punch.
Family Friendly
It’s a classic recipe that works for family dinners or meal prep all week.
Comfort Food
This lasagna has all the cheesy, saucy goodness that makes Italian food a favorite.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap Ground Turkey
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Cottage Cheese for Ricotta
Cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta.
Gluten-Free Noodles
Choose gluten-free lasagna noodles to make it gluten-free.
Fresh Herbs
Fresh basil or parsley can be used instead of dried.
Tips and Tricks
Prep in Advance
Assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Cutting Clean Slices
Let the lasagna rest before slicing so the layers stay together.
Cheese Topping
Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy, golden top.
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Cozy High Protein Beef Lasagna
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- teaspoon dried basil
- 1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6ounce) tomato paste
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet and place over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until it thickens.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and parsley. Mix until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Lay 3 noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spoon and spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
- Add one-third of the meat sauce over the ricotta layer and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place in a preheated oven at 375°F. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbling.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Add fresh basil leaves on top for garnish.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Prep in AdvanceAssemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Cutting Clean Slices
Let the lasagna rest before slicing so the layers stay together. Cheese Topping
Use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a cheesy, golden top.
Storing and Reheating
Storing LeftoversCover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on Stovetop
Place a serving in a saucepan with a splash of water. Warm over low heat, stirring gently until hot. Reheat in Microwave
Heat individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered, until heated through.
Nutrition
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