Description
This Lightened Up Pierogi Casserole offers a healthy twist on the classic pierogi, layering cooked lasagna noodles with light mashed potatoes, sautéed onions, and fat-free cheeses for a comforting and flavorful baked dish that’s lower in fat and calories.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Layer
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
Vegetable and Fat
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons light butter or butter substitute
Mashed Potato Layer
- 4 cups fat-free or light mashed potatoes (homemade or prepared)
Cheese
- 1 cup fat-free shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fat-free shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Meat
- 1/4 cup turkey ham or cooked beef sausage (optional)
Seasoning and Cooking
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Sauté the onions: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the light butter and sauté diced onions until soft and golden, about 8–10 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it—the aroma alone is worth lingering over.
- Prepare your pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer like a lasagna: Begin with a layer of cooked lasagna noodles at the bottom of your baking dish. Spread about a third of the mashed potatoes over the noodles, sprinkle in some sautéed onions, and a handful of shredded cheddar. Repeat this process—noodles, potatoes, onions, cheese—until everything is used, ending with a noodle layer on top.
- Final touches: Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese, and if using, add finely chopped turkey ham or beef sausage between layers for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing, so the layers hold together.
Notes
- Use fat-free or light mashed potatoes to keep the casserole light and reduce calories.
- Feel free to substitute turkey ham with cooked beef sausage or omit meat for a vegetarian option.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- You can prepare the masher potatoes and onions ahead of time to save on cooking day.
- Use cooking spray generously on the baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
