How to Make Cheesy Lasagna Sheets: Recipe & Health Benefits

Cheesy Lasagna Sheets combine layers of pasta with a rich cheese blend, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. These layers often include ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, offering a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. Vitamins like B12 in cheese support nerve function and red blood cell production, while the marinara sauce provides vitamin C and lycopene, beneficial for immune health and heart protection. However, lasagna can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so portion control is recommended. Adding vegetables or lean proteins can make it more balanced and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna sheets
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature for baking the lasagna once it’s assembled.

Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Sheets In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt to it. Once the water is boiling, add the lasagna sheets one by one. Stir occasionally to prevent the sheets from sticking together. Cook the sheets according to the package instructions until they are al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the sheets and set them aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (reserve the remaining mozzarella for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The ricotta will provide a creamy texture, while the mozzarella and Parmesan will add richness and flavor to the dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish Take a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the lasagna sheets from sticking and add flavor at the base. You can use store-bought marinara sauce or homemade if preferred.

Step 5: Layer the Lasagna Start layering the lasagna:

1. Place the first layer of lasagna sheets over the marinara sauce, ensuring they cover the entire bottom of the dish.
2. Spread a layer of the cheese mixture evenly over the lasagna sheets.
3. Add a layer of marinara sauce over the cheese mixture, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.

Repeat this process, layering lasagna sheets, the cheese mixture, and marinara sauce until you run out of ingredients, ensuring that the final layer is a generous topping of marinara sauce.

Step 6: Add the Final Layer of Cheese Once you’ve finished layering, top the lasagna with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese. This will give the lasagna a deliciously golden and bubbly top as it bakes.

Step 7: Cover and Bake Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to retain moisture while baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 8: Uncover and Continue Baking After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the dish and continue baking the lasagna for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 9: Let the Lasagna Rest Once the lasagna is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This will help the lasagna set, making it easier to slice and serve without the layers falling apart.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy After resting, slice the lasagna into portions and serve. You can pair it with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty cheesy lasagna sheets!

Additional Suggestions

• Boost Nutritional Value: To make the dish even healthier, consider adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms between the layers of cheese. These vegetables will not only increase the fiber and vitamin content but will also add flavor and texture.
• Side Dishes: Pair your lasagna with a green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal. A fresh salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the lasagna.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can lasagna be made without eggs?

• Yes, eggs can be replaced with plant-based alternatives, such as ground flaxseeds mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal and 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). This creates a binding effect similar to eggs and works perfectly in lasagna.

How can I make this lasagna recipe vegan?

• To make the recipe vegan, substitute the dairy-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use vegan mozzarella cheese, plant-based ricotta, and whole wheat lasagna sheets. These substitutions maintain the texture and flavor of the dish while making it suitable for a plant-based diet.

How long can I store lasagna in the refrigerator?

• You can store cooked lasagna in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to one month. Make sure to allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or covering it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

What are the best types of sauces to use for lasagna?

• Marinara sauce is a traditional choice, but you can experiment with alfredo sauce, pesto, or even white béchamel sauce for different flavors. Choosing sauces with less added sugar and more herbs can boost the nutritional content.

What is the best alternative to traditional lasagna sheets?

• If you want a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna sheets, consider using zucchini or eggplant slices. These vegetables are low in carbs and provide an extra dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally, whole grain lasagna sheets or brown rice sheets are great options for a fiber-rich dish.

How can I prepare lasagna in advance?

• Lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and bake it the next day. If freezing, you can assemble the lasagna and freeze it before baking. To cook from frozen, allow extra baking time (about 1 hour).

Nutritional Values and Benefits

Lasagna Sheets (12 pieces)

• Calories: ~840
• Carbohydrates: 168g
• Protein: 30g

Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from complex carbohydrates, ideal for a satisfying meal.

Marinara Sauce (2 cups)

• Calories: 160
• Vitamins: Vitamin C (30% DV), lycopene

Nutritional Benefit: Antioxidant-rich, supports immunity and heart health.

Ricotta Cheese (2 cups)

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 28g
• Calcium: 60% DV

Nutritional Benefit: High in calcium and protein, supports bone and muscle health.

Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups)

• Calories: 640
• Protein: 48g
• Calcium: 40% DV

Nutritional Benefit: A rich source of calcium and protein for bone and muscle strength.

Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup)

• Calories: 216
• Protein: 20g
• Calcium: 55% DV

Nutritional Benefit: Adds depth of flavor and boosts calcium intake.

Egg (1 large)

• Calories: 70
• Protein: 6g

Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential amino acids and vitamins like B12 and D.

Seasonings (Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper)

• Calories: Minimal

Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Detailed Health Benefits

Lasagna is often packed with rich, hearty ingredients that not only fill you up but also provide essential nutrients. Here’s how the ingredients contribute to your health:

• Lycopene in Marinara Sauce: This antioxidant is abundant in tomatoes, the main ingredient in marinara sauce. Lycopene has been linked to a reduced risk of certain types of cancer, including prostate cancer. It also offers cardiovascular benefits by promoting heart health and protecting against oxidative damage.
• Calcium and Protein in Cheese: The cheeses used in lasagna, including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, are excellent sources of calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth, while protein plays a crucial role in muscle repair and overall body function. Calcium also helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially as we age.
• Lowering Calories and Fat: Lasagna can be high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium, so it’s important to consider substitutions to make the dish lighter and healthier. By using low-fat cheeses or plant-based cheeses, you can reduce both the calorie and fat content without sacrificing flavor. Whole grain lasagna sheets also add fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps keep you full longer.

Cheesy Lasagna Sheets offer a delicious, indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Balancing portion sizes and incorporating a side of vegetables can create a well-rounded and satisfying dish.