High-Protein Lasagna Recipe for Dieting
Love lasagna but worried it doesn’t fit into your diet plan? Think again! This high-protein, macro-friendly lasagna is here to prove that indulgence and healthy eating can coexist. Jam-packed with flavor and nutrition, this recipe will satisfy your cravings while fueling your body.
Here’s everything you need to know about making a lasagna that’s as good for your macros as it is for your taste buds!
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Why a Macro-Friendly Lasagna?
When you’re dieting, every meal counts—and lasagna doesn’t have to be the exception. This recipe balances high protein, moderate carbs, low fat, and fiber to keep you full, satisfied, and on track with your goals.
High Protein fuels muscle retention and repair, especially crucial when you’re in a calorie deficit.
Moderate Carbs provide slow-burning energy to keep you fueled without spiking your blood sugar.
Low Fat ensures a lighter, guilt-free version of a comfort classic.
Fiber promotes better digestion and keeps you feeling full between meals.
This lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s a performance enhancer for your diet.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Meat Sauce
2 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
2 carrots, grated or finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mushrooms (optional, for more flavor and nutrients)
1.5 cups crushed tomatoes
For the Cheese Layer
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt and pepper
For the Layers
6-8 lasagna noodles (use whole wheat or lentil noodles for complex carbs and extra fiber)
2 cups mixed vegetables (spinach, zucchini, bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber, optional)
1.25 cups shredded mozzarella or part-skim cheese (optional, for a gooey topping)
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
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How to Make Your High-Protein Lasagna
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Add mushrooms if using.
Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, blot with paper towels to remove any extra fat.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Layer
Combine the cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. (Pro Tip: Add a dash of olive oil to the water to prevent them from sticking!)
Step 4: Layer Your Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
Add a layer of cooked noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, a layer of mixed vegetables (if using), and a layer of the cheese mixture.
Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella or part-skim cheese on top (optional for that golden-brown finish).
Step 5: Bake
Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and broil for the last 3-5 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and ensures each piece holds together beautifully.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
High-Protein Lasagna Recipe for Dieting
Looking for a satisfying yet macro-friendly dinner idea? Try this high-protein lasagna recipe, perfect for dieting. Packed with flavor, easy to make, and nutritious!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 carrots, grated or finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms (optional, for more flavor and nutrients)
- 1.5 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 6-8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (spinach, zucchini, bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber, optional)
- 1.25 cups shredded mozzarella or part-skim cheese (optional, for a gooey topping)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the chopped onion, carrots, and garlic until softened. Add mushrooms if using.
- Add ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Once cooked, blot with paper towels to remove any extra fat.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10-15 minutes to combine flavors.
- Mix the Cheese Layer - Combine the cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. (Pro Tip: Add a dash of olive oil to the water to prevent them from sticking!)
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Add a layer of cooked noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, a layer of mixed vegetables (if using), and a layer of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of shredded mozzarella or part-skim cheese on top (optional for that golden-brown finish).
- Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and broil for the last 3-5 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it set and ensures each piece holds together beautifully.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
292Fat
10 gSat. Fat
4 gCarbs
22 gFiber
3 gNet carbs
20 gSugar
4 gProtein
28 gSodium
313 mgCholesterol
76 mgThe nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Macro-Friendly Lasagna
Blot the Beef: Removing excess fat after browning keeps your lasagna lean without sacrificing flavor.
Measure Precisely: Use a kitchen scale to ensure your portions match your desired macros.
Boost Fiber: Add more vegetables between layers for extra volume and satiety without excess calories.
Golden-Brown Topping: Broil at the end for a crispy, cheesy finish that elevates the dish’s flavor and visual appeal.
Why Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is the unsung hero of this recipe. It not only replaces ricotta, but also sneaks in extra protein while maintaining creaminess. Using full-fat cottage cheese ensures your lasagna stays rich and satisfying without blowing your fat macros.
Your Macro Breakdown Per Serving
Here’s the approximate macro profile per serving (when divided into 8 servings, using optional ingredients):
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 7g
It’s hard to believe comfort food can fit so beautifully into a diet plan, but this lasagna does just that.
Try It Tonight!
This high-protein lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s a game-changer for anyone balancing cravings with nutrition goals. Grab your apron and give this recipe a go tonight!
For more macro-friendly recipes and tips, stay tuned. Craving something else? Comment below, and we might feature your favorite dish next!
We’d love to see your creations! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and tag us at @angiebloom. Have questions, or want to share your favorite add-ins? Drop a comment below or connect with us via email.
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