Sweet Potato Lasagna

By Stephanie Licari | Celebration Health | Lakeland, FL

A healthier version of a favorite dish, using sweet potato slices in place of pasta, for a higher fiber dish.

Servings: 10-12 | Prep Time: 30 | Cook Time: 30

Calories: 262 | Total Fat: 13g | Total Carbs: 13g | Protein: 23g

Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes

1 large jar marinara sauce

2 large eggs

2 large garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp. dried thyme

1 tbsp. dried oregano

1 tbsp. dried rosemary

1 tbsp. dried basil

Instructions:

¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil or cooking spray

2 lb. ground beef

1 large container part skim ricotta cheese

1 large onion, roughly chopped

1 c. mozzarella cheese, shredded

Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot water to a boil over high heat. Rinse sweet potatoes and cut on a diagonal into thin slices, about ¼ inch.

2. In a small bowl combine all the dried herbs and stir.

3. Add sweet potato and a generous pinch of salt to pot of boiling water. Cook until just tender, 6-10 minutes. Drain, transfer to a medium bowl, and season generously with salt and pepper.

4. While sweet potato blanches, heat 1 tbsp. olive oil or cooking spray in a large pan over medium high heat. When oil is shimmering, add onions and garlic to the pan. Gently stir until onions and garlic become translucent and then transfer to a plate.

5. Add ground meat to the pan and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon or spatula until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onions, garlic and half of the dried herbs to the pan. Salt and pepper to taste and sauté for about 1 minute.

6. While meat browns, combine ricotta, eggs, half of the Parmesan, a pinch of the herbs, and salt and pepper in a large bowl and set aside.

7. Coat the bottom of the 9 x 13 pan with a thin layer of the jarred marinara sauce. Place 1⁄3 of the sweet potatoes in a single layer and season with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of spices. Spread half of the ricotta mixture on the potatoes. Then spread half of the meat and coat with sauce. Sprinkle with 1⁄ 3 of the mozzarella. Then repeat the previous layers again. Finally place the last 1⁄3 slices of potatoes and cover with the remaining sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan.

8. Bake until sweet potato is tender and cheese is melted, about 15-20 minutes. If desired, broil until cheese is browned, about 2 minutes. Remove pan and let cool for 10-15 minutes.