Are you trying to find a tasty and healthy dinner option? Look no further than our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat! Made with whole wheat noodles and lean meat, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. At 348 calories per serving, you can indulge without any guilt.

In addition to being lower in calories than traditional lasagna, our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat also provides a variety of nutrients. One serving contains 20 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 25% of your daily recommended amount of iron.

In this article, we'll explore the calorie count, nutritional profile, health benefits, preparation tips, and more for our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat.

Calorie Count of Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

One serving (1/8 7" X 12", approx 3-1/2" X 4") of our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat contains 348 calories. This is lower than the calorie count of many traditional lasagna recipes. If you want to decrease the calorie count even further, you could try using less cheese or adding more vegetables to the recipe. Just make sure you don't sacrifice flavor or nutrition!

Nutritional Profile of Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

Our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron. One serving contains 20 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber, and 25% of your daily recommended amount of iron. The whole wheat noodles in this recipe provide an additional nutritional boost, as they contain more fiber and vitamins than traditional refined noodles. Plus, the addition of lean meat and vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal.

Health Benefits of Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

Eating whole wheat products like the noodles in our lasagna can offer several health benefits. Whole wheat is higher in fiber and vitamins than refined wheat products, which can help improve digestion and promote overall health. Additionally, including lean protein sources like the ground beef in our recipe can help you feel fuller for longer and support muscle growth and repair. Finally, using fresh vegetables in the recipe adds important vitamins and minerals to your diet. And because our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat is made from scratch, you can control the amount of salt and other additives in the dish.

Preparation Tips for Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

When making our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat, it's important to cook the noodles until they are al dente (firm to the bite) to ensure they hold up to the sauce and toppings. You can also use no-boil whole wheat noodles for a quicker preparation time. Be sure to use lean ground beef or turkey to decrease the amount of fat in the dish. You can also substitute with plant-based sources of protein like lentils or tofu. Finally, let the lasagna cool for at least 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for a neater presentation.

Ingredients Used in Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

Our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat recipe includes whole wheat lasagna noodles, lean ground beef, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can easily swap out ingredients as needed. For example, you could use a plant-based meat substitute or skip the cheese for a dairy-free version.

Alternatives to Meat in Whole Wheat Lasagna

While our recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute with other protein sources like turkey, chicken, or plant-based options like lentils or tofu. If you're skipping the meat altogether, consider adding vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant for a hearty and filling option.

Healthy Accompaniments for Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing and nutrient-packed side for lasagna. You could also serve steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a colorful and fiber-rich dish. If you're looking for something more filling, try a fresh crusty bread or whole grain rolls to sop up the sauce.

Portion Size and Serving Suggestions for Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

One serving of our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat is 1/8 of the recipe or one piece (7" X 12", approx 3-1/2" X 4"). This serving size provides 348 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 7 grams of fiber. To balance out the meal, serve the lasagna with a side of vegetables and a small salad. You can also portion out any leftovers into individual servings to make for easy and healthy lunches throughout the week.

Storage and Shelf-Life of Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

Our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If you have leftover lasagna that you'd like to freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the wrapped lasagna in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave as desired.

Variations of Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat

Our Whole Wheat Lasagna with Meat recipe can be customized in many ways to suit your tastes and preferences. You could add different vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for added nutrition and flavor. You could also experiment with different spices or herbs to give the dish a unique twist. Some popular options include basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, or even a pinch of cinnamon. Finally, you could try using different types of cheese or skipping the cheese altogether for a lighter version of the dish. The options are endless!