Ingredients
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9 lasagna noodles
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1 teaspoon fennel seed
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1/2 lb lean ground beef (10% or less fat)
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1 onion, chopped
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1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
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1 zucchini, chopped
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2 (15 ounce) containers refrigerated marinara sauce
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1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup pecorino romano cheese
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1 1/2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Toast and grind the fennel seeds by placing them in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook, shaking the pan and stirring constantly until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Watch them carefully- they will burn quickly!
- Remove from pan and grind to a powder.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the oil, then add the beef, onion, bell pepper and zucchini.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef browns.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and fennel, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until slightly thickened and the flavors blend, about 10 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Spread one-fourth of the meat sauce in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Top with 3 of the noodles; spread with 1/2 cup of ricotta.
- Repeat the layering twice, ending with the meat sauce.
- Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle with the mozzarella and Romano.
- Bake until heated through and cheeses are lightly browned, abut 20 minutes longer.
- Let stand about 10 minutes before serving.