How to Substitute Beans for Meat in Lasagna

Substituting beans for meat in lasagna is one of the easiest ways to create a healthy meal. This can be done to reduce a family's meat intake, or to save money on meat. Substituting beans for meat in lasagna is also an easy way to turn your favorite lasagna recipe into a vegetarian dish.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 green pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 8-ounce can cooked kidney beans
• 1 8-ounce jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 cup part skim milk ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon basil

1. Make the noodles. Boil a large pot of water with a dash of Italian seasoning. Spray some non-stick olive oil spray into the water, to help keep the long lasagna noodles from sticking. Once the water boils, add the lasagna noodles. Use a long-handled spoon to coax the softening noodles under water until they are all completely submerged. Let the noodles cook until they are slightly underdone. Strain the hot water out of the pan and rinse the lasagna noodles. Set aside.

2. Chop one garlic clove and saute with some non-stick spray. Add chopped onion, green pepper and red pepper. Let them simmer as you prepare the beans. Add your favorite Italian seasonings and herbs.

3. Prepare the beans to add to the lasagna. The best and quickest way to add substitute beans for meat in lasagna is to use a can of cooked beans. Strain the beans and rinse them well using a strainer. Pour the rinsed beans into the saute pan with the garlic, pepper, onions and spices. Cook for a few minutes. Add the spaghetti sauce. Simmer the beans in the sauce on a low heat to create flavor.

4. Make the cheese mix by combining ricotta cheese with egg, shredded Mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Add basil. Stir until all of the ingredients are mixed well.

5. Spoon a small portion of the sauce into a 13 x 9 x 2 lasagna pan or baking pan. Cover the bottom of the pan with lasagna noodles, making one layer. Spoon on a hearty helping of the beans in the sauce. Add another layer of lasagna noodles. Use a spoon to drop lumps of the cheese mix. Flatten it out and spread it around.

6. Add another layer of lasagna noodles. Continue layering the bean and sauce mix, the lasagna noodles and the cheese.

7. Cover the top of the lasagna with a layer of sauce and beans. Sprinkle some grated cheese on the top. Tear off a piece of aluminum foil to fit over the pan. Spray the inside with non-stick spray to keep it from sticking to the cheese. Tightly cover the pan with foil. Cook the lasagna with the beans for about 40 minutes on 350 degrees. Let it cool slightly before cutting. Cut, serve and enjoy. Serves eight.

Tips & Warnings

• Save some shredded cheese to garnish the top of the lasagna.
• For a different flavor, add just a dash of nutmeg to the cheese mix.

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