Mediterranean Diet Classic Beef Lasagna
Indulge in the hearty, wholesome flavors of Mediterranean Diet Classic Beef Lasagna, a delicious twist on the traditional comfort food that's packed with nutritious ingredients. This recipe combines lean ground beef, vibrant zucchini, fresh spinach, and ripe tomatoes to create a vegetable-rich meat sauce, perfectly seasoned with oregano, basil, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Layered with whole grain lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta infused with Parmesan, and melted mozzarella, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is both satisfying and health-conscious. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this lasagna is baked to golden perfection and topped with fresh parsley for a fragrant finish. A must-try for anyone seeking a balance of flavor, nutrition, and classic Italian appeal!
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 450 grams lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 150 grams fresh spinach
- 9 sheets whole grain lasagna noodles
- 250 grams ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 200 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the minced garlic and lean ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, approximately 7-10 minutes.
Step 4
Add the diced zucchini and chopped tomatoes to the beef mixture and cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
Step 5
Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for another 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 6
In the last minute of cooking, add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7
In a medium bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the large egg and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Step 8
Cook the whole grain lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel.
Step 9
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles on top.
Step 10
Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by one third of the meat sauce and one third of the shredded mozzarella.
Step 11
Repeat the layers with the next three noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, another third of the meat sauce and mozzarella.
Step 12
Top with remaining lasagna noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top.
Step 13
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 14
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 15
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2597.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4193.7 |
| Total Fat 167.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 75.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g | |
| Cholesterol 858.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5405.1mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 423.4g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 53.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 49.9g | |
| Protein 277.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 53.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3548.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 40.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3711.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories