Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz low-sugar marinara sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 15 oz part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 9 oz oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 4 minutes).
  3. Stir in the lean ground protein, cooking until the meat is browned and no pink remains.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic.
  5. Stir in the marinara sauce, water, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  6. Simmer on low for 10 minutes to ensure the sauce is thin enough to hydrate the oven-ready noodles.
  7. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the part-skim ricotta cheese, beaten egg, chopped parsley, nutmeg, and salt.
  8. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  9. Layer oven-ready noodles over the sauce, then spread the ricotta mixture, ensuring a seal against the edges of the pan for structural integrity.
  10. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and repeat layers until all ingredients are used.
  11. Top with the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
  12. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes; remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbling and golden.