Quick Bites: Lazy Day Lasagna

I've been hearing that you gals would love more quick, healthy and delicious meals you can whip up during your busy day. I hear ya; I feel the same! I'm glad you asked... this has now morphed into one of my belated New Year's resolutions. I'm going to make a new meal every week and share it with you here! You better keep me on track.

First up, Lazy Day Lasagna. This isn't a "new" recipe for me per say, but a favorite that I'm eager to share. We've been making it for years though it's been at least a year now. What's great is that it's pretty healthy, tastes great and is large enough for a family or plenty of leftovers; I somehow found this recipe while on Weight Watchers years ago. I'm sure I should be crediting someone here, but unfortunately I didn't put the name when I printed it out. (My 23-year old self apologizes!).

This lasagna is perfect: it's vegetarian (so everyone can eat it!), takes about 20 minutes to make, and you have meals for days! Pair it with a salad, or a side of broccoli, asparagus or another green so you're less likely to eat the entire thing in one sitting. Enjoy!

Ingredients

12 whole wheat lasagna noodles, uncooked

1 (12 oz.) bag of morningstar or boca brand of veggie crumbles (sub lean ground beef if you prefer, really tastes the same though!)

4 cups of Hunt's Four Cheese Spaghetti Sauce (typically in a can)

1 1/2 cupes of water

1 (15 oz) container of nonfat ricotta cheese (you can use part-skim, just note the nutritional change)
1/2 cup egg substitute
9 slices of cheese, I recommend either provolone or swiss

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine crumbles, sauce and water.
In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese and egg substitute.
Spray 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Spread 1 cup of sauce in the bottom of the pan. Arrange 4 noodles over the sauce. Spread another cup of sauce, then 1/3 of the ricotta mixture. Add another cup of sauce.
Repeat the process until you end with a layer of sauce.
Cover and bake 70 minutes.
Uncover and place cheese slices on top, then bake another 15 minutes uncovered.
Let stand 10 minutes before serving. (Note: we used Swiss this time, which made the top not as pretty... provalone makes for a better presentation, and we decided we like it better. Just sharin'.)
DIG IN!


Serves 9.
Nutritionals per serving: 190 calories, 5 grams of fat. 22 grams of protein, 15 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams of fiber.