Andy Montoya
Lasagna is a popular dish that typically includes layers of pasta, cheese, meat, and tomato sauce. While there are many variations of the dish, a common ingredient in most recipes is cheese. However, some people may prefer to use a substitute for cheese, such as plain yogurt. Using plain yogurt in lasagna can be a great way to create a lighter and healthier dish without compromising on flavor. It can also be a good option for those who are lactose intolerant or have an allergy to cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can plain yogurt be used in lasagna? | Yes |
| Substitutes | Ricotta cheese, Cottage cheese, Bechamel sauce |
| Yogurt type | Greek yogurt |
| Yogurt sauce ingredients | Cheese, hot stock |
| Calories | Lower calories than Bechamel sauce |
| Preparation time | Quicker than the original |
| Taste | No difference in taste compared to traditional lasagna |
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What You'll Learn
Yogurt as a substitute for ricotta cheese
Yogurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna. Greek yogurt, in particular, is a good substitute due to its thickness and higher fat content. It is also a healthier alternative to ricotta cheese, as it is lighter in calories.
To substitute Greek yogurt for ricotta cheese in a lasagna recipe, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, prepare the meat sauce by browning the meat and vegetables. For a traditional lasagna, you can use ground beef, Italian sausage, and vegetables such as zucchini. Then, stir in seasonings and herbs, such as basil, oregano, and Stone House Seasoning. Add tomato paste and pasta sauce, and simmer the sauce until it thickens.
Next, make the cheese filling by lightly beating an egg in a mixing bowl. Add Greek yogurt, grated cheese (such as mozzarella or cheddar), and fresh herbs like parsley. Stir the mixture until it is well combined.
Now, it's time to assemble the lasagna. In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by a layer of cooked lasagna noodles. Spread the cheese mixture over the noodles, then top with another layer of meat sauce. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, ending with a layer of noodles.
Finally, sprinkle the top layer of noodles with grated cheese and bake the lasagna in the oven until it is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
Using Greek yogurt instead of ricotta cheese in lasagna can be a delicious and healthier alternative. It is important to note that Greek yogurt has a tangier and creamier texture than ricotta cheese, so adjustments to the recipe may be necessary. Additionally, other substitutions can be made for ricotta cheese, such as cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even tofu.
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Yogurt-based white sauce
Using yogurt in lasagna is a great way to make the dish healthier and lighter without compromising on taste. Yogurt can be used in the cheese filling or as a substitute for Bechamel sauce, also known as white sauce.
Ingredients
- Lean ground beef
- Onion
- Garlic
- Tomatoes (crushed, paste, or sauce)
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper
- Dried herbs
- Pasta sheets
- Low-fat Greek yogurt
- Stock
- Grated cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of both)
- Cornstarch (optional)
- Eggs (optional)
Method
- Saute the onion and garlic in a pan until translucent. Add the beef and break up any lumps with a wooden spoon while cooking.
- Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, and seasonings, stirring well. Bring to a boil and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, stock, and cornstarch (if using) until smooth. Add the grated cheese and eggs (if using), and stir well to combine.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce. Cover with pasta sheets, followed by a layer of the yogurt mixture.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of pasta sheets and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and the pasta is soft.
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to let it set and make slicing easier.
This yogurt-based white sauce is a quick and easy alternative to traditional Bechamel sauce, and it can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for busy weeknights.
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Yogurt and cheese mixture
Using yogurt in lasagna is a great way to make the dish healthier and lighter. It is a good substitute for bechamel sauce, ricotta, or cottage cheese. Greek yogurt is a popular choice for making lasagna, as it is creamy and tangy. It is also a good option if you are looking for a quick meal, as it requires less cooking time than a traditional Bolognese sauce.
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt (plain or full-fat)
- Grated cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella)
- Egg
- Parsley (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Start by lightly beating an egg in a mixing bowl.
- Add Greek yogurt to the bowl. You can use plain or full-fat Greek yogurt, depending on your preference.
- Add grated cheese to the mixture. A combination of Monterey Jack, cheddar, or mozzarella cheese works well.
- Optionally, you can add parsley, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Now you can assemble your lasagna by adding a layer of the yogurt-cheese mixture on top of the cooked lasagna noodles and meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of your baking dish, ending with a layer of yogurt-cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake your lasagna according to your recipe instructions.
Feel free to adjust the measurements of the ingredients based on your taste preferences and the size of your lasagna. You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination. Enjoy your delicious and creamy yogurt-cheese lasagna!
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Yogurt lasagna with meat
Ingredients
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Cornstarch
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Eggs
- Oregano
- Marinara sauce
- No-boil lasagna noodles
- Ground beef
- Garlic
- Salt
- Ground black pepper
- Zucchini
- Cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375ºF.
- Whisk together the yogurt and cornstarch until smooth; add ricotta, Parmesan, eggs, and oregano, and whisk together.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the juices have cooked away and the beef is lightly browned.
- Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in salt and pepper.
- Spread ⅓ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with 4 lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping (the noodles will expand during cooking).
- Spread half of the ricotta/yogurt mixture over the noodles.
- Top with half of the ground beef mixture.
- Spread ¾ cup of marinara sauce on top.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese.
- Arrange 4 more noodles on top of the cheese, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture, remaining beef mixture, another ¾ cup of marinara, and another cup of cheese.
- Add the final layer of noodles. Top with the remaining marinara, then sprinkle with the remaining cup of grated cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and return to the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until bubbling on the edges and browned on top.
- Let the lasagna rest for about 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips
- You can use other types of meat, such as ground sausage, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- You can add vegetables such as spinach, eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- You can use other types of cheese, such as shredded cheddar, Colby jack, crumbled feta, parmigiano reggiano, or goat cheese.
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Yogurt lasagna without meat
This yogurt lasagna recipe is a healthier twist on classic lasagna Bolognese, with all the flavor but fewer calories, thanks to a Greek yogurt sauce instead of Béchamel or ricotta. It is also a quick and easy dinner to pop in the oven. Once done, just pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a wholesome weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt, preferably Stonyfield’s Organic Greek Yogurt
- Vegetables: Peppers, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, spinach, carrots, etc.
- Herbs: Fresh basil, dried basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, etc.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, sugar, etc.
- Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce or even fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- Pasta: Lasagna sheets, preferably no-boil lasagna sheets
- Cheese: Grated cheese, preferably a combination of mozzarella and cheddar cheese
Steps
- Roast the vegetables: Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake at 425°F until they’re tender and caramelized.
- Boil the pasta: Boil the lasagna sheets until al dente. Toss them with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking!
- Make the yogurt filling: Whisk together yogurt and cornstarch until completely smooth with no small lumps; add herbs, seasonings, and cheese, and whisk together thoroughly.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread 1 cup of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Then, add a layer of pasta. Top the pasta with the yogurt filling. Layer half the spinach and scatter half the roasted vegetables in an even layer. Dot the vegetables with 2/3 cup of the marinara sauce.
- Repeat the layers: Add another layer of pasta and the remaining sauce, yogurt filling, spinach, and vegetables.
- Add a final layer of pasta. Top with the remaining sauce, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the dish and return to the oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until bubbling on the edges and browned on top. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to settle, then cut into pieces and serve.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plain yogurt can be used instead of cheese in lasagna. It is a healthier alternative to the traditional cheese sauce and can be used to replace ricotta or cream cheese.
Greek yogurt is the most popular type of yogurt used in lasagna. It has a tangy flavour and a creamy texture, making it a great substitute for cheese.
Yes, other ingredients can be used as substitutes for cheese in lasagna. Some popular alternatives include cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese.
Using yogurt instead of cheese in lasagna creates a lighter, healthier dish. It also reduces the amount of time needed to prepare the sauce, as you can simply stir the yogurt with hot stock and cheese.
Yes, yogurt can be used instead of cheese in most lasagna recipes. However, it is important to note that some recipes, particularly those from Northern Italy, traditionally use béchamel sauce instead of cheese or yogurt.
