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Cottage Cheese Slow Cooker Lasagna High Protein Healthy

Cottage Cheese Slow Cooker Lasagna High Protein Healthy

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Diet: High-Protein, Healthy

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey or 95% lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 oz jar low-sodium marinara sauce (no sugar added)
  • 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 9–10 whole grain lasagna noodles (uncooked)
  • 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown the Protein. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef along with the diced onions. Cook until the meat is browned and the onions are translucent, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant. Drain any excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let the meat sauce simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Step 2: Prepare the High-Protein Cheese Filling. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. If you prefer a smoother texture that mimics ricotta, you can pulse the cottage cheese in a blender before mixing. Fold in the chopped baby spinach. This mixture adds a massive protein boost and hidden nutrients to your lasagna layers.
  3. Step 3: Layer the Lasagna. Spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce onto the bottom of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce, breaking them as needed to fit the shape of the pot. Spread one-third of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
  4. Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on LOW for 3.5 to 4 hours. Avoid cooking on high, as the noodles may become too soft. The lasagna is ready when the noodles are tender and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Rest and Plating. Turn off the slow cooker and remove the lid. Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve clean slices. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your high-protein masterpiece.
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

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Find it online: https://yeuen.com/cottage-cheese-slow-cooker-lasagna-high-protein-healthy/