Beef, Arugula and Spinach Lasagna

This lasagna features lean Ground Beef, fresh arugula and spinach as well as fat-free ricotta and egg whites. Our nutritious version of this family favorite is still big on flavor!

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 pounds Ground Beef (95% lean)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1-1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
• 3/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
• 4 cups prepared pasta or spaghetti sauce
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby arugula (about 1-3/4 ounces)
• 2 cups loosely packed fresh baby spinach (about 1-3/4 ounces)
• 1 container (15 ounces) fat-free ricotta cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 9 uncooked oven-ready (no boil) lasagna noodles (each about 6-3/4 x 3-1/2 inches)
• 1-1/2 cups reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove from skillet with slotted spoon; pour off drippings. Return beef to skillet; season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Stir in pasta sauce. Set aside.

   Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness.

2. Combine arugula and spinach. Set aside. Combine ricotta cheese, egg whites, basil, oregano, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in small bowl.

   Cook's Tip: Equal amounts of chopped fresh spinach and arugula may be substituted for fresh baby spinach and arugula.

3. Spread 1 cup meat sauce over bottom of 11-3/4 x 7-1/2-inch glass baking dish. Top with 3 noodles, 1/2 ricotta mixture, 1/2 spinach mixture, 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1-1/2 cups meat sauce. Repeat layers. Top with remaining 3 noodles and meat sauce.

4. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in 375°F oven 45 to 50 minutes or until noodles are tender and sauce is bubbly. Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Let stand, loosely covered, 10 minutes before serving.
   
   

   Recipe adapted from The Healthy Beef Cookbook, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
   

• Test Kitchen Tips Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.