Categories
Healthy Recipes Lunch & Dinner Entrées

Flavorful and Nourishing Lasagna

Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Nourishing Homemade Lasagna Recipe

This protein-packed homemade lasagna recipe is a true powerhouse dish. With flavorful Italian pork sausage and extra lean ground turkey, it provides a generous 48g of protein per serving. Layered with cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and a blend of mozzarella cheeses, this lasagna delivers a satisfying and wholesome experience. The red sauce, made with crushed tomatoes and fresh basil, adds a burst of delicious flavor. With a cook time of 35-40 minutes at 425°F, you can enjoy this nutritious lasagna that boasts 475 calories, 26g of carbs, and 20g of healthy fats. Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, it's a meal that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

  • Large deep boiling pot
  • Blender
  • Sheet pan or baking dish
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing bowls
  • Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon, etc.)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven
  • 1 Pound Italian Pork Sausage
  • 2.5 Pounds Extra Lean Ground Turkey
  • 16 Ounces Cottage Cheese
  • 16 Ounces Ricotta Cheese
  • 1 ½ Cups Regular Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 ½ Cups Fat-Free Mozzarella Cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Cans of Crushed Tomatoes (14.5 Ounce Cans)
  • 8 Ounces Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles
  • Fresh Basil

Prepare the Red Sauce:

  1. Cook Italian pork sausage and extra lean ground turkey in a large pot until fully cooked.
  2. Add one can of whole crushed tomatoes and one can of blended crushed tomatoes to the pot.

  3. Boil the mixture until the sauce is fully reduced.

  4. Season with olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and pepper.

Prepare the Ricotta/Cottage Cheese Blend:

  1. Blend cottage cheese until fully dissolved.

  2. Mix in ricotta cheese and chopped fresh basil.

  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Lasagna:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. Spread a layer of red sauce in a baking dish.

  3. Place oven-ready lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

  4. Spread the ricotta/cottage cheese blend over the noodles.

  5. Sprinkle regular mozzarella cheese on top.

  6. Repeat the layers of sauce, noodles, cheese blend, and mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

  2. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

  • Power-packed Protein: This lasagna is not only delicious but also loaded with protein, thanks to the combination of Italian pork sausage and extra lean ground turkey. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to fuel their bodies with muscle-building nutrients.
  • Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Add your favorite protein-rich ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken to boost the nutritional value even further.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This lasagna is perfect for meal prepping! Prepare a big batch over the weekend and portion it into individual servings for quick and protein-packed meals throughout the week. It’s a time-saving solution for busy individuals focused on their fitness goals.
  • Gluten-free Option: If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives. You can enjoy the same delicious flavors while staying true to your dietary preferences.
  • Leftover Boost: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Reheat a slice of this protein-packed lasagna for a satisfying and nutritious meal option. It’s a great way to refuel your body after a workout or busy day.
entrée, Main Course
Italian
Categories
Healthy Recipes Lunch & Dinner Entrées

Protein Chili: Flavorful Fuel for Your Day

“Protein Chili: Flavorful Fuel for Your Day

This Protein Chili recipe is a flavorful and nourishing dish packed with protein to fuel your day. Made with extra lean ground beef, black beans, red beans, tomatoes, and a variety of aromatic spices, this chili is a satisfying and wholesome meal option. The ground beef is seasoned with a blend of spices to create a rich and hearty flavor. Combined with the beans and tomatoes, this chili provides a protein-packed boost to your diet. Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make protein chili as a satisfying meal that will keep you energized and satisfied.

  • Large pot or dutch oven
  • cooking utinsels
  • measuring spoons/cups
  • can opener
  • cutting board and knife
  • 2 Pounds Extra Lean Ground Beef
  • 1 15 Ounce Can Black Beans
  • 1 15 Ounce Can Red Beans
  • 1 15 Ounce Can Tomatoes
  • 16 Ounces Beef Stock
  • 2 Cups Frozen Peas
  • 2 Cups Frozen Corn
  • 2 Cups Fat-Free Cheese
  • 1 Tablespoon Dry Chili Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Dry Onion Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Dry Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Dry Paprika
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Cumin
  1. Brown the Beef:
  2. In a large, deep boiling pot, add the extra lean ground beef.
  3. Fry the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked and browned.
  4. Add the mixture of dry chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and cumin to the cooked ground beef.
  5. Allow the spices to fry with the beef for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring to evenly coat the meat.
  6. Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Stock:
  7. Drain and rinse the black beans and red beans from their cans.
  8. Add the black beans, red beans, and canned tomatoes to the pot with the beef.
  9. Pour in the beef stock, ensuring that the ingredients are well-covered in liquid.
  10. Include Peas and Corn:
  11. Add the frozen peas and frozen corn to the pot.
  12. Stir all the ingredients together to combine.
  13. Simmer the Chili:
  14. Bring the chili to a full rolling boil over medium heat.
  15. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let the chili simmer.
  16. Allow the chili to simmer until it reaches your desired consistency. This will typically take around 35-40 minutes, but you can adjust the cooking time to your preference.
  17. Serve and Enjoy:
  18. Ladle the protein-packed chili into bowls.
  19. Top each serving with a generous amount of fat-free cheese.
  20. Optionally, garnish with chopped red onion or other desired toppings.
  21. Serve the chili hot and enjoy!

This recipe is very easy to change up according to taste. If you do not like peas or corn, feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers. You can also experiment with different variations:

  • Add a splash of honey for a sweeter chili.
  • Try using hot Italian sausage for a spicier version.

Calories are based on serving 7 portions from the pot. Adjust the serving size according to your preferences and nutritional needs.