Ingredients and Weight: * Lasagna noodles, 12 oz * Lean ground beef, 1 lb * Italian sausage, 1 lb * Onion, chopped, 1 medium * Green bell pepper, chopped, 1 medium * Garlic, minced, 4 cloves * Tomato paste, 6 oz * Seasoned tomato sauce, 28 oz * Low-fat ricotta cheese, 15 oz * Part-skim mozzarella cheese, 8 oz * Grated Parmesan cheese, 6 oz
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 60-75 minutes
Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps: 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat. Drain any excess fat. 3. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. 4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. 5. Add seasoned tomato sauce, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. 6. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. 7. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. 8. Spread with half of the remaining sauce, then 1/2 cup ricotta cheese. 9. Repeat layers. 10. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. 11. Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. 12. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information: Per serving (1/8 of lasagna): * Calories: 550 * Fat: 25g * Saturated Fat: 10g * Cholesterol: 80mg * Sodium: 1000mg * Carbohydrates: 55g * Fiber: 3g * Protein: 35g
Dish Characteristics: * Rich and flavorful * Lightened up version of classic lasagna * Perfect for a family meal or special occasion
User Comments: * "This lasagna is absolutely delicious! It's lighter than traditional lasagna, but still packed with flavor." * "My picky kids loved this dish. It's a great way to get them to eat vegetables." * "I've made this lasagna several times now and it's always a crowd-pleaser."
Special Precautions and Tips: * Use lean ground beef and Italian sausage to reduce the fat content. * You can use whole-wheat lasagna noodles for a healthier option. * For a vegetarian lasagna, replace the beef and sausage with roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.