Name: Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 2 cups finely diced zucchini (about 2 small or 1 medium/large zucchini); 1 cup finely diced summer squash (about 1 medium/large summer squash); 1 15 ounce can whole tomatoes (2 cups, or crushed tomatoes if preferred); 1 10 ounce can tomato sauce (1 1/4 cups); 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 6 ounces uncooked, oven-ready lasagna noodles (8 noodles); 16 ounces low-fat cottage cheese; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

There’s something so comforting about a homemade lasagna that’s both hearty and nourishing, isn’t there? This Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe strikes that perfect balance, packing fresh veggies, lean beef, and lots of cheesy goodness into layers you'll savor every bite of.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with lasagna showing multiple layers: a golden brown melted cheese layer on top with some green herb garnish, beneath it layers of light pasta sheets, a rich red tomato meat sauce mixed with ground meat, and a creamy cheese mix. A spatula lifts one slice, stretching melted cheese strings down to the rest of the dish. The dish is placed on a wooden surface next to fresh basil leaves, with a white marbled background behind. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely love this recipe because it feels like an indulgent treat without tipping the scales. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making again and again, especially when you want something filling yet fresh.

Wholesome Ingredients: This lasagna sneaks in zucchini and summer squash to boost nutrition without skimping on flavor.
Lean & Flavorful: Using lean ground beef keeps it healthier, but with plenty of spices, it’s never bland.
Simple to Prep: Oven-ready noodles and straightforward layering make this surprisingly quick to put together.
Flexible & Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead or freezing for when you need a cozy meal ready to go.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with four large, rectangular layers of lasagna. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with small toasted patches, sprinkled with fresh green herbs and three basil leaves for garnish. Inside, layers of soft pasta sheets alternate with meat sauce that has visible bits of ground meat mixed with diced vegetables in a rich red tomato sauce. A woman's hand holds a wooden spatula, lifting out a portion, showing the cheesy, saucy layers inside. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a gray cloth beside it, but the background is changed to a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe has a role, combining to create something tasty and nourishing. The veggies add moisture and texture, the spices build layers of flavor, and the cheeses give it that melty, satisfying finish.

Flat lay of a portion of fresh lean ground beef, a small mound of finely diced white onion, a small white ceramic bowl filled with finely diced green zucchini, another similar bowl with finely diced yellow summer squash, whole ripe red tomatoes on the vine, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth bright red tomato sauce, a few loose dried parsley leaves, dried basil leaves, dried oregano sprigs, two small white ceramic bowls holding coarse salt and black peppercorns, a neat stack of uncooked oven-ready lasagna noodles, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy low-fat cottage cheese, a small pile of shredded pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a small pile of shredded mozzarella cheese, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Keeps the protein high but cuts down on excess fat, making the dish lighter.
Diced Onion: Adds a sweet base flavor when sautéed with the beef.
Zucchini: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bulk up the veggies without overwhelming the taste.
Summer Squash: Similar to zucchini, it brings moisture and a mild flavor.
Whole Tomatoes (canned): Provide a tangy, rich sauce base—breaking them down during cooking smooths out the texture nicely.
Tomato Sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and keeps things saucy.
Garlic Powder and Spices: Simple seasoning like parsley, basil, and oregano that elevate the whole dish.
Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: Save time and fuss by skipping the boiling step.
Low-Fat Cottage Cheese: Adds creaminess with less fat than traditional ricotta.
Parmesan Cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty flavor that intensifies the cheese layers.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully to give that classic cheesy stretch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to tweak this Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe depending on the season and what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to swap out veggies or cheeses to suit your tastes—this recipe welcomes your creativity.

Veggie Boost: Sometimes, I add chopped spinach or mushrooms for an extra dose of greens; it works beautifully.
Cheese Swap: I’ve tried part-skim ricotta instead of cottage cheese and loved the creaminess it brings.
Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat if you’re in the mood for a little kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions to Perfection

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and sautéing diced onions until they soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add your lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, roughly 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light, but be careful not to lose all the flavorful juices that cling to the meat.

Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies

While the beef cooks, dice your zucchini and summer squash into small cubes (about ¼ to ½ inch). Once the beef is done and drained, cook the zucchini and squash in the same pan for about 7 to 10 minutes, stirring often. This step pulls out moisture and softens them without turning mushy—key for great texture in your lasagna.

Step 3: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Add the canned whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic powder, salt, dried parsley, basil, oregano, and pepper to your veggies. Use a spatula to gently break down the whole tomatoes while stirring. Let it simmer on medium heat for another 7 to 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return your cooked ground beef and onions to the sauce, stirring to evenly distribute everything. This combination is where all the savory magic happens, giving you that classic lasagna flavor that's anything but heavy.

Step 5: Layer Your Lasagna

Grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread about a quarter of your sauce mixture in the bottom. Layer 4 oven-ready noodles on top, then another quarter of the sauce, half the cottage cheese, half the parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Repeat these layers with your remaining ingredients, ending with cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake and Enjoy

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes to brown the cheese. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this lets it set for cleaner slices and gives you a moment to savor the wonderful aroma!

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to great. These tips help you avoid common pitfalls and get a perfectly balanced result every time.

Drain Wisely: Don’t toss all the beef pan drippings; a little adds flavor to your sauce, but too much makes it greasy. I drain most off but leave a touch behind.
Break Those Tomatoes Down: Whole canned tomatoes can be chunky, so pressing them with your spatula while simmering smooths out your sauce without losing texture.
Let It Rest: Cooling for even 10 minutes after baking helps your lasagna set, so it slices nicely and you don’t lose any cheesy layers on the plate.
Prep in Advance: Assemble your lasagna the night before and refrigerate; it develops flavor and saves time on busy days.

How to Serve Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe

Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a burst of color and brightness. Sometimes, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil takes it up a notch.

Side Dishes

Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic asparagus. I find simple steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad work wonderfully, balancing the hearty main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served individual portions of this lasagna in small ramekins—perfect for a dinner party. Adding a side of garlic breadsticks or a bowl of warm tomato soup turns the meal into a comforting feast your guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna stays great for up to 4 days—perfect for multiple meals or lunches.

Freezing

I freeze unbaked lasagna wrapped in plastic and foil, which keeps it protected for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I bake it straight from the freezer; just remember to add extra baking time to make sure it’s heated through evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover leftovers loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make layers a little soggy, so the oven is my go-to for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta?

Absolutely! Ricotta cheese works wonderfully here if that’s what you have; it will create a firmer, creamier texture in the layers.

Do I have to use oven-ready noodles?

Nope! You can use regular lasagna noodles if you prefer, but be sure to boil them first according to package instructions before layering.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap the lasagna noodles for gluten-free versions which are widely available now, and check that your tomato sauce and spices don’t have hidden gluten.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can skip the beef and add more veggies like mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils for protein. Adjust spices accordingly to keep the flavor punchy.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Ground Beef Lasagna Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—it feels like a big, warm hug on those busy nights when I want something homemade but simple. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do; once you try it, it might just turn into your go-to for comforting, wholesome dinners.