High-Protein Craving Lasagna (Low-ish Carb)
This version keeps the comfort-food feel of lasagna but boosts protein and cuts down carbs by using lean meat, cottage cheese, and either reduced noodles or vegetable layers.
Serves
6–8 servings
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or extra-lean beef
- 1 lb lean Italian turkey sausage (or chicken sausage)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz, low sugar if possible)
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (14–15 oz)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein Cheese Layer
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta
- 1½ cups shredded part-skim mozzarella
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
“Low-ish Carb” Structure Options
Choose ONE:
Option A — Moderate Carb
- 6–8 oven-ready lasagna noodles
Option B — Lower Carb
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced lengthwise
- 1 eggplant, thinly sliced
Option C — Highest Protein
- Thin egg wraps or high-protein tortillas
Instructions
1. Prep vegetables (if using)
For zucchini/eggplant:
- Slice thinly
- Salt lightly
- Let sit 15 minutes
- Pat dry
Optional: roast slices at 400°F for 10 minutes to remove moisture.
2. Make meat sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot.
Cook onion 4–5 minutes.
Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add turkey and sausage:
- break apart
- cook until browned
Drain excess liquid if needed.
Add:
- marinara
- crushed tomatoes
- seasonings
Simmer 15–20 minutes until thick.
3. Make protein cheese mixture
Mix together:
- cottage cheese
- ricotta
- eggs
- parmesan
- half the mozzarella
- herbs
4. Assemble lasagna
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13 baking dish:
Layer order:
- Thin layer of sauce
- Noodles or veggie slices
- Cheese mixture
- Meat sauce
- Repeat layers
Finish with:
- remaining mozzarella
- extra parmesan
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Estimated Macros (Approx.)
Per serving (8 servings, veggie version):
- Protein: 35–45g
- Carbs: 10–20g
- Fat: 14–18g
- Calories: 350–450
Noodle version will be higher in carbs.
High-Protein Boost Options
Add any of these:
- blended cottage cheese instead of ricotta
- spinach in cheese layer
- extra lean ground chicken
- protein pasta sheets
- bone broth in sauce for richer flavor
Meal Prep Tips
- Keeps 4–5 days in fridge
- Freezes very well
- Slice before freezing for easy portions
Great Side Pairings
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic green beans
- Cottage-cheese flatbread
