Recipe: Lasagna In a Skillet
This skillet casserole comes together really fast! Once you get the basic formula down it will become a family favorite that you can customize based on what you have on-hand.
You can make it with your choice of prepared marinara sauce. If you don’t have any on-hand, use canned crushed tomatoes and add garlic powder to taste.
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
2 large zucchinis, washed
2 - 3 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb (450 g) ground meat (turkey, chicken, beef, vegan meat substitute)
1 tsp sea salt
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup (70 g) mushrooms, chopped
1 cup (125 g) marinara sauce or canned crushed tomatoes
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried basil (or use Italian seasoning)
1 tsp dried oregano (or use Italian seasoning)
2 - 3 big handfuls spinach
Optional: ½ cup (45 g) shredded mozzarella
Directions:
Cut the ends off the zucchinis and, using a peeler or mandoline, carefully slice them lengthwise into long strips resembling lasagna noodles. Pat down your noodles with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to get rid of excess moisture and set aside.
Heat a large, deep skillet on medium heat. If you’re using lean meat (like ground turkey or chicken breast), heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in the skillet to prevent sticking.
Place the meat in the skillet and brown, seasoning with ½ tsp of sea salt. When it’s browned, spoon it onto a plate, and set aside, draining off any excess fat.
Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the pan and when it’s hot, add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are translucent. Add the mushrooms and zucchini “noodles” and saute until softened, about 5 minutes.
Spoon the browned meat back into the skillet, along with the marinara sauce and seasonings. Cook for a few minutes to combine the flavors, and stir in the spinach and heat until wilted. Taste and add more salt and pepper if necessary.
Sprinkle it with mozzarella and serve!
Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by JSM Photography
Move at Work Challenge: Upper Body Moves You Can Do While Seated
Move at Work Challenge: Stand Up for the Hips and Up!
Move at Work Challenge: Hips and Balance Moves in the Garden
Workout: Short Shorts!
Time: Box / Bench, Dumbbells, & a Stopwatch
Equipment Needed: 45 - 60 minutes
Warm Up: 5 - 10 minutes
Exercise #1:
Perform the following 4 exercises for 7 reps each for 6 minutes
7 Pisoner Squats
Plank with 7 Butt Kicks - each side
7 Jumping Jacks
7 Elbows to Knee
Rest
Exercise #2:
Perform the following sets as stated below. Be sure to repeat to perform the exercises on BOTH sides! Follow a Tabata style set of Jump Squats in the first set and Box Jumps in the second set.
Set #1:
30 seconds Stationary Lunge with Bicep Curls - left leg
30 seconds Reverse Lunges with Overhead Hold - left leg
30 seconds Lateral Lunges with Bicep Curls - left leg
30 seconds Quick / Pulse Lunge Weight in Hands by Side - left leg
30 seconds Lateral Squat Leg Lift Weight in Hands in Front of Chest - left leg
30 seconds Rest
Tabata Style: Repeat for 8 sets - 4 minutes total
20 seconds Jump Squats
10 seconds Rest
REPEAT the entire set above on the right leg!
Set #2:
30 seconds Split Lunges with Foot on Bench - left leg
30 seconds Regular Step-Ups - left leg leads
30 seconds Step-Ups (where one leg stays on the bench while the other one goes up and down onto the bench) - left leg
30 seconds Lunge into Step-Up and Knee Lift - left leg
30 seconds Rest
Tabata Style: Repeat for 8 sets - 4 minutes total
20 seconds Box Jumps (modify with Step-Ups as needed)
10 seconds Rest
REPEAT the entire set above on the right leg!
Finisher:
Perform 30 seconds of each for 2-3 sets.
30 seconds Spiderman
30 seconds Plank
30 seconds Sea Turtles
30 seconds Mountain Climbers
30 seconds Rest
Cool Down & Stretch: 5 - 10 minutes
Workout by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by littlehenrabit from Getty Images
Move at Work Challenge: 5 Minute Break to Gently Stretch Neck & Shoulders
Recipe: Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies
This will become a fast favorite. It’s easy to sneak more vegetables into a meal by roasting them, since they become sweeter with caramelization.
Try adding sliced beets, squash, or carrots to the mix!
Serves 4.
Ingredients:
3 Tbsp olive, avocado, or coconut oil
4 - 5 sausage links: chicken, turkey, or vegan alternative (about .2 lbs each / 90 g)
16 oz. (450 g) green beans (fresh or frozen)
16 oz. (450 g) brussels sprouts (fresh or frozen)
2 large potatoes, washed, peeled and cut into cubes
1 Tbsp dried rosemary
1 Tbsp dried thyme
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Drizzle 2 Tbsp of your oil of choice on a rimmed baking sheet and place in the oven.
Preheat the oven to 425° F (220° C).
Toss the green beans, brussels sprouts, potatoes in a large bowl with remaining 1 Tbsp of oil, plus the herbs. Set aside.
Cut the chicken sausage links into circles. Set aside.
When the oven is heated, carefully remove the baking sheet and place the veggies and sausage links in a single layer on the sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast for 30 - 45 minutes, stirring every 10 - 15 minutes so they roast evenly.
It will be done when the potatoes are cooked through and everything is caramelized. Carefully remove from the oven and add more salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen
Photo Credit: Canva by rudisill from Getty Images Signature