Hidden Delights Lasagna

Uncover the magic of comfort food with our Hidden Delights Lasagna, a hearty and flavorful dish that hides nutrient-packed surprises in every layer. This recipe elevates classic lasagna by blending tender ground beef, savory Italian sausage, and a medley of finely diced zucchini, carrots, and spinach into a rich, velvety tomato sauce. Perfectly stacked with al dente lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey layers of mozzarella and parmesan, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this homemade baked lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Packed with hidden vegetables, it’s the ideal family-friendly comfort food that satisfies without skimping on nutrition.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 12 sheets Lasagna noodles
• 1 lb Ground beef
• 0.5 lb Italian sausage
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium, diced Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 medium, diced Zucchini
• 1 medium, peeled and diced Carrot
• 2 cups Spinach
• 28 oz can Crushed tomatoes
• 6 oz can Tomato paste
• 2 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp Sugar
• 15 oz container Ricotta cheese
• 1 large Egg
• 1.5 cups, grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups, shredded Mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface to prevent sticking.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 4

Add the ground beef and Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the zucchini, carrot, and spinach into the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 6

Transfer the cooked vegetables and meat mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth (or leave slightly chunky for a rustic texture).

Step 7

Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 9

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.

Step 10

Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles. Top with 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce and a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 11

Repeat layering (noodles, ricotta mixture, meat sauce, mozzarella) two more times, ending with a final layer of meat sauce and mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 12

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.

Step 13

Cover the dish with aluminum foil (avoid touching the cheese) and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

Step 14

Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.

Step 15

Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy your Hidden Delights Lasagna!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3681.4 grams (3681.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6863

Total Fat 325.10g	417%
Saturated Fat 141.50g	708%
Polyunsaturated Fat 17.80g
Cholesterol 1263mg	421%
Sodium 9610mg	418%
Total Carbohydrate 665.20g	242%
Dietary Fiber 48.80g	174%
Total Sugars 103.60g
Protein 378.70g	757%

Vitamin D 181IU	903%
Calcium 5212mg	401%
Iron 50mg	278%
Potassium 8315mg	177%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.2%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 37.5%