Skinny Lasagna Roll-ups

After seeing this recipe idea flying around Pinterest and some of my favorite foodie forums, I knew I had to try it. The recipe is Lasagna Roll-ups - a modified and easy peasy version of the traditional layered pasta dish.

Did I mention that my favorite bearded man is a lasagna lover? Yup, that's right. I would say 9 times out of 10, if lasagna is a menu option, it ends up on Adam's plate. That being said, I had to use my culinary expertise to woo said boyfriend.

I went ahead and tweaked the recipe to make it healthier and more convenient! Without further adieu...

 Skinny Lasagna Roll-Ups 

via

Ingredients:

1 pound extra lean ground beef (ground turkey would be tasty too!)
1/2 onion chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
2 (16 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried oregano
dash cayenne pepper
1 1/4 cups small-curd low fat cottage cheese (drain excess liquid)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
6-8 whole grain lasagna noodles
3/4 cup shredded low fat mozzarella cheese


Directions:

1) In a skillet, cook beef, onion and garlic until meat is no longer pink; drain.

2) Begin boiling lasagna noodles in large pot. Follow directions on packaging.

3) Add cans of crushed tomatoes, salt, and seasonings to taste. After combining, reduce the temperature to low and let simmer for 10 minutes stirring occasionally.

4) After sauce has simmered, spread half of the meat sauce into a lightly greased 8x8 dish.

5) Preheat oven at 375 degrees.

6) Take the spinach and microwave it for 15-30 seconds, or until wilted. In large bowl, combine spinach, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley and onion powder until incorporated.

7) Take a lasagna noodle, spread 1/4 cupful on each noodle, and then very carefully roll-up the noodle. Place lasagna roll seam side down on top of the meat sauce in the dish.

8) Once all of the lasagna rolls have been placed in the dish, top with remaining meat sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

9) Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.

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For a quicker or meat-free option, feel free to skip the homemade sauce and use a jar of your favorite pasta sauce.

This is the perfect make ahead meal. Pretty easy to throw together the night before, and all you need to do is pop it in the oven after a long day.

Pair with a leafy green salad and small slice of crusty focaccia bread and you're golden!


Bon Appetit!