Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or 93% lean ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 oz) low-sugar marinara sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (blended for a smooth texture)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Meat
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef along with the diced onions. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Drain any excess fat and transfer the mixture to your crockpot. - Step 2: Add Base Ingredients
To the crockpot, add the marinara sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the spices to infuse the broth with deep, rich flavors. - Step 4: Add Noodles and Spinach
About 30 to 45 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Replace the lid and continue cooking until the noodles are tender. Once the noodles are done, stir in the fresh baby spinach until it wilts into the hot soup. - Step 5: Prepare the High Protein Cheese Topping
In a small bowl, mix the blended cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. This mixture creates a creamy, high-protein dollop that mimics the ricotta layer in a traditional lasagna. - Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. The cheese will melt into the broth, creating a creamy and delicious finish.
- Cook Time: 6 hours 15 minutes