Luscious Lasagna Bake

Carnivale Adventures

Lasagna originated in Naples, and is traditionally eaten on Carnivale/Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday as a final indulgence before Lent (the literal translation of Carnivale is "Farewell to Meat").  Here is my version, based on a very popular recipe from Sandy's Kitchen. 

The marinara recipe is based on the one in the Buca di Beppo cookbook.  Do not omit the fresh basil or use dried.  You can find pre-chopped basil in tubes in the produce area of most supermarkets.  Buca's marinara is my favorite tomato sauce, and it is super-simple to make at home.  While the marinara is cooking, brown the meats for the filling and prepare the cheese topping.  Or, to save time, I cook the entire 3-lb package of ground beef and use the rest for other recipes.

Beppo's Skinny Sister's Marinara

2 cans petite diced tomatoes (7 greens)
1 1/2 tsp minced garlic (1 1/2 condiments)
1 1/2 tsp onion powder (3 condiments)
3 tbsp fresh basil (3/32 condiment)

Combine tomatoes with garlic and onion powder in saucepan and cook over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens.  After the tomatoes cook down and soften, you may mash with a potato masher or puree in food processor if you like a smoother texture.  Remove from heat and add basil.

Meat Filling

5 oz lean ground beef, cooked - about 1/2 lb raw (1 lean)
2 links Jennie-O hot Italian turkey sausage, removed from casings and cooked (1 lean)
1 cup raw spinach (1 green)

Add beef, sausage, and spinach to marinara and cook until spinach is wilted.

Cheese Topping

1/2 cup part-skim ricotta (1/2 lean)
3/4 cup reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (3/4 lean)
4 tbsp parmesan cheese (4 condiments)
2 tbsp EggBeaters (1/8 lean)
1 tsp Italian seasoning (2 condiments)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (1 condiment)

Combine cheese topping ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Additional Ingredients

3/4 cups reduced fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (3/4 lean)

Instructions

Put meat filling in bottom of 8 by 8 baking dish.  Cover with cheese topping.  Top with additional mozzarella.  Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serves 4
Per serving, 1 lean, 2 greens, 3 condiments
377 calories, 17.2 g fat, 13.5 g carbohydrates, 2.7 g fiber, 41.3 g protein, 831 mg sodium