Lightened Up Crock Pot Lasagna [Gluten Free]
Try this Lightened Up Crock Pot Lasagna Gluten Free recipe
![Lightened Up Crock Pot Lasagna [Gluten Free]](http://cf.sugarfreemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/crockpotlasagna3.jpg)
Try this Lightened Up Crock Pot Lasagna Gluten Free recipe
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste ( i used hunt's with basil garlic, oregano)
- 2 cups low fat cottage cheese or use ricotta
- 1/2 cup egg whites or use 2 eggs
- 4 cups chopped fresh packed spinach
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella part skim
- 9 cooked brown rice lasagna noodles (i used tinkyada)
- Carbohydrate 17.1078016682458 g
- Cholesterol 71.4978800625 mg
- Fat 13.0818360556502 g
- Fiber 2.95939158090882 g
- Protein 27.085612368811 g
- Saturated Fat 6.6435421476533 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (224g)
- Sodium 794.655290709001 mg
- Sugar 14.148410087337 g
- Trans Fat 0.95310522570088 g
- Calories 299 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oil in skillet, add turkey, garlic and onion and cook until turkey is browned and no longer pink.
- Pour in marinara sauce, tomato paste and cinnamon. Cook another minute or so then set aside.
- In a large bowl mix together cottage cheese, Parmesan, egg whites, salt and spinach. Set aside.
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Add a small amount of meat sauce over the bottom of the crock pot.
- Place 3 noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half the cottage cheese spinach mixture over the noodles.
- Spread a third of the meat sauce, sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Place 3 more noodles, the rest of the cottage cheese spinach mixture, a third more meat sauce and 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
- Final layer: Place last 3 noodles, the rest of the meat sauce and top with the final 1/2 cup of mozzarella.
- Cover and cook on low 3 hours.
My Lightened-Up Crock Pot Lasagna: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals is always a challenge. I’m constantly juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry. So, when I discovered this recipe for a lightened-up crock-pot lasagna, it was a game-changer. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also surprisingly healthy and, most importantly, easy to make!
The best part? It practically cooks itself! I throw everything into the crock-pot in the morning before heading off to work, and by the time dinner rolls around, a warm, comforting, and satisfying lasagna is ready. No more hours spent slaving over a hot stove on a busy weeknight. This recipe is my secret weapon for stress-free weeknight dinners. I've even started making a double batch and freezing half for those even busier weeks.
What I love about this recipe:
• The ease: Seriously, it's almost embarrassingly easy. The crock-pot does all the work!
• The health factor: Using ground turkey, low-fat cottage cheese, and plenty of spinach makes this a healthier version of a classic comfort food. And the gluten-free noodles are a bonus for anyone watching their gluten intake.
• The flavor: This lasagna doesn't taste "diet-y" at all. It's rich, flavorful, and satisfying. The cinnamon adds a surprising warmth that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the meat and cheese.
Tips and Tricks:
• Prep Ahead: You can prep all the ingredients the night before, making assembly in the morning a breeze.
• Customize it: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Leftovers: This lasagna tastes even better the next day! It's perfect for lunch or a quick and easy dinner.
Beyond the Recipe:
This lasagna recipe has become more than just a dinner; it's a symbol of balance in my busy life. It allows me to provide healthy, homemade meals for my family without sacrificing precious time. It reminds me that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying, both in terms of flavor and ease. I hope this recipe brings as much joy and ease to your weeknights as it does to mine.
Ingredients I Use: I usually shop at [mention a local grocery store if comfortable]. They always have a good selection of fresh ingredients, and I often find sales on the ground turkey and cheese. For the gluten-free noodles, I've had good luck with [mention brand].
I encourage you to try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Share your own tips and variations in the comments below. Happy cooking!
