Lasagna with Meat Sauce

this is from Weight Watcher's Cookbook "Take Out Tonight"

I admit not having made it, so if you do, give me feedback..but I have made a lot of other recipes from the book and they were tasty.

9 Lasagna noodles (look for whole grain or omega enriched)

1 tsp fennel seeds

1/2lb lean ground beef (10% fat or less) even leaner - use lean ground turkey.

1 onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

2 (15oz) containers refrigerated marinara sauce - look for ones with no added sugar

1 1/2c nonfat ricotta cheese

1/2c shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

1/4c grated pecorino romano cheese

1) cook the noodles according to package directions, drain and rinse and set aside

2) toast the fennel seeds in a small dry skillet over med-low heat, shaking the pan and stirring constantly, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2-3 minutes. transfer to a coffee grinder and grind to a powder, or pound between two kitchen towels with a mallet until finely crushed (or use mortar and pestle.or buy pre-ground, lol)

3) heat large non-stick skillet over med-high heat. swirl in the oil, then add the beef or turkey, onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the pan juices evaporate and the beef browns, about 10 minutes. Stir in the marinara sauce and fennel; bring to a boil. reduce heat and simmer, until slightly thickened and the flavors blend, about 10 minutes.

4) preheat the oven to 375 degrees F., Spread one fourth of the meat sauce in a 9X13 baking dish (spray it first with cooking spray for easier clean up). top with 3 of the noodles; spread with 1/2c of the ricotta. repeat the layering twice, ending with the meat sauce.

5) Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes. remove the foil and sprinkle with the mozzarella and romano cheeses. bake until heated through and the cheeses are lightly browned, about 20 minutes longer. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

8 servings

per serving:

295 calories

9g fat, 3 sat fat (a little less with extra lean turkey instead of beef)

20mg cholesterol

589mg sodium

33g carbs

5g fiber

21g protein (could boost with a little extra turkey)

355 mg calcium

WW points 6 (old points system, I heard they revamped it recently)

Serve with a big green salad - yummy meal :) comfort food!