Are you craving a hearty Italian dish? A serving of 1 cup (227 g) Lasagna with Meatball Sauce offers 370 calories. It could be a satisfying treat, but let's see what its nutritional content offers.
This dish offers a good balance of macronutrients. Per serving, you get approximately 15 grams of fat, 17 grams of protein, and 38 grams of carbohydrates. It also packs a punch with a good amount of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamin A.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, sugar, fiber, vitamin A, iron, and calcium content of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce, and give you some tips on how to make it a healthier option for you.
Calories in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
One serving of 1 cup (227 g) Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains 370 calories. This calorie count is relatively high, so it's best to consume this meal in moderation if you're trying to manage your weight. However, you can reduce the calorie count by making some ingredient substitutions or eating a smaller portion size. To make your Lasagna with Meatball Sauce healthier, try layering it with more vegetable fillings like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini instead of meatballs.
Fat content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
A serving of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce has approximately 15 grams of fat. Most of this fat comes from the meat and cheese. Some kinds of cheese used in Lasagna contain high amounts of saturated fat, which is not healthy for the heart when consumed in large amounts. However, other types of cheese like ricotta and cottage cheese contain healthier fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are better for you. To lower the fat content, you can use a low-fat cheese or substitute some of the high-fat cheese with healthier alternatives like tofu or hummus.
Protein content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
A serving of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains about 17 grams of protein. This protein comes from the meatballs, cheese, and pasta. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair muscles, organs, and tissues. However, ensure you don't consume too much protein, especially if you have kidney problems. Boost the protein content of your Lasagna by incorporating plant-based sources like lentils, chickpeas, or tofu. You can also use turkey or chicken in place of beef or pork.
Carbohydrate content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
A serving of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains about 38 grams of carbohydrates. These carbohydrates come from the pasta and tomato sauce. Carbs provide the body with energy to fuel activities and bodily functions. However, the kind of carbs you consume matters. Opt for complex carbs found in whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa instead of refined carbs found in white bread and pasta. To increase the fiber content in your Lasagna, you can add more veggies like onions, peppers, and carrots. You can also use whole-grain noodles or make one from zucchini or spaghetti squash.
Sodium content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce has a high sodium content. Most tomato sauces and meatballs contain a lot of salt, which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Limit your intake of salt to less than 2300 mg per day. To reduce the sodium content of your Lasagna, make your sauce using fresh or low-sodium canned tomatoes. You can also flavor your sauce with herbs and spices like garlic, basil or oregano instead of salt.
Sugar content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains a small amount of sugar. The sugar comes from the tomato sauce and any added sugar. Excess sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health complications. Limit your intake of added sugar per day to 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. To reduce the sugar content of your Lasagna, make your sauce using fresh tomatoes and add natural sweetness using herbs like basil or thyme.
Fiber content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient that aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also makes you feel full for long, reducing overeating. Consume at least 25-30 grams of fiber daily. To increase the fiber content of your Lasagna, use whole-grain noodles, add more veggies like mushrooms, or incorporate legumes like lentils, peas or chickpeas to your recipe.
Vitamin A content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains an adequate amount of vitamin A. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps keep the eyes, skin, and immune system healthy. Consume at least 700-900 micrograms of vitamin A daily. To increase the vitamin A content of your Lasagna, add more veggies like carrots, squash or sweet potatoes. You can also use tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes instead of canned ones.
Iron content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains a good amount of iron. Iron is an essential mineral that helps carry oxygen in the blood and support brain function. Consume at least 18 mg of iron daily for women and 8 mg for men. To increase the iron content of your Lasagna, use iron-rich ingredients like lean meats, beans, or leafy greens like kale or spinach.
Calcium content in Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce contains a significant amount of calcium. Calcium is an essential mineral that helps maintain strong bones and teeth. Consume at least 1000-1200 mg of calcium daily. To increase the calcium content of your Lasagna, use low-fat cheese made from cow's milk or soy milk, and leafy greens like kale or collard greens.
Eating healthy doesn't mean depriving yourself of your favorite foods; it's all about moderation and making small changes to your recipes.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
1. What is Lasagna with Meatball Sauce
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce is a dish made with layers of lasagna noodles, meatball sauce, and cheese. The meatball sauce is typically made with ground meat, such as beef or pork, tomato sauce, herbs, and spices, and is used as a topping for the lasagna noodles. The dish is baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. How many calories are in one serving of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce?
One cup (227 g) of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce is approximately 370 calories. The calorie count may vary depending on the ingredients used to make the meatball sauce and the amount of cheese used.
3. Is Lasagna with Meatball Sauce a healthy meal option?
While Lasagna with Meatball Sauce may be a tasty meal option, it is not considered a healthy choice. The high calorie and fat content make it a less nutritious option. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. What are some variations of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce?
There are many variations of Lasagna with Meatball Sauce, including vegetarian options that use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat. Other variations include using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella, and adding vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to the layers of the lasagna.
5. How is Lasagna with Meatball Sauce typically served?
Lasagna with Meatball Sauce is typically served as a main dish alongside a salad or garlic bread. It can be prepared in advance and reheated for a quick and easy meal option. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for later use.