Triple protein (noodle-less) mini lasagnas

I couldn't resist jumping on the "meal-in-a-jar" trend that's making its way around the internet. Those little jars just make everything so darn cute. And, it's built-in portion control! Since the Seattle summer is starting to fade away and the air has become more crisp, it felt necessary to start adding warm and cozy meals to my weekly menu. What could be better than good ol' lasagna? It's easy, delicious, and protein packed. For the mini lasagna, I skipped the noodles, and instead focused on protein and veggies.

TRIPLE PROTEIN (NOODLE-LESS) MINI LASAGNAS

• Servings: 6
• Time: 1hr
• Difficulty: easy

Ingredients: 

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 white onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 2 cups of your favorite tomato/pasta sauce in a jar (I prefer herb or basil sauces)
• 1 small zucchini, sliced thin
• 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or less) (or ricotta cheese)
• 2 egg whites
• 20 basil leaves, chopped
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp dreid parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 9 Tbsp shredded reduced fat mozzarella
• 6- 7.4 oz clamp jars
• Optional: add in mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, diced eggplant, yellow squash, or other veggies of your choosing (just remember, there’s only so much room in those little jars!)

Directions: 

1. Start by removing the rubber gasket from all jars. (Optional: remove the entire lid from the jar)
2. Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
3. In a large skillet, warm cooking oil over medium heat. Add in onion and garlic, sauté until for 4-5 minutes.
4. Add turkey to skillet and brown, keeping onion and garlic in pan.
5. Once brown, drain excess liquid. Add in 1.5 cups of tomato sauce, parsley, and oregano. Mix well and reduce heat to low.
6. In a small bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg whites, basil, salt, and pepper.
7. In a 7.4oz clamp jar, spoon 1 Tbsp of tomato sauce. Next, begin layering each jar: 1. add 4-5 slices of zucchini, 2. 1-2 Tbsp turkey mixture, 3. 4-5 slices zucchini, 4. 1-2 Tbsp cottage cheese mixture, 5. 1-2 Tbsp turkey mixture, 6. 1.5 Tbsp shredded mozzarella.
8. Fill all jars, then place them on a lined baking sheet and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.
9. Once cooked, let cool. Store in fridge, covered, for up to 5 days.