Which is Healthier, Lasagna or Mac & Cheese?

Our next head-to-head battle is between two popular pasta entrées. Who’ll win this (comfort) food fight, lasagna or macaroni and cheese?

Related To:

lasagna versus macaroni and cheese

Photo by: Tara Donne ©Tara Donne

Tara Donne, Tara Donne

Our next head-to-head battle is between two popular pasta entrées. We’re pitting cheesy layers of lasagna against gooey mac & cheese. Who’ll win this food fight?

Lasagna

Pros:

If your lasagna includes pasta, veggies, cheese and meat, you’ve got yourself a pretty balanced meal. Plus the tomato sauce is a great way to get in the antioxidant lycopene.

This dish is also easy to modify— pile on more veggies or eliminate the cheese to accomodate a dairy allergy. It’s also a very easy dish to cook and freeze in individual portions—a plus for those busy weeknights.

Cons:

The portions of higher fat ingredients can get out of control, making even a moderate-sized portion a recipe for disaster. Although ground chuck is cheapest, it’s also the highest in fat with over 300 calories and 20 grams of fat per 4 ounces (that’s without any cheese, noodles or other goodies).

The cheese can also get out of control. One cup of whole milk ricotta cheese has 428 calories, 32 grams of fat (20 of which are saturated). Add that to a cup of whole milk shredded mozzarella with 336 calories, 25 grams fat and 15 grams saturated fat. Between the amount of cheese and meat, you’ve gone well above the daily fat limit.

Healthy Lasagna Tips:
  • Instead of fatty meats or sausage, use ground turkey, turkey sausage,veal, bison or 90-95% lean ground beef.
  • Trim down the fat and cholesterol by replacing part of the meat with beans or chopped mushrooms.
  • Choose whole wheat noodles.
  • Use mostly part-skim cheese and add just a sprinkle of fattier cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving).
  • Pile on the veggies while holding back on some of the cheese and meat.
  • Watch those portions!
  • Check out more ways to lighten up your lasagna.
  • Squash and Spinach Lasagna
Mac & Cheese

Pros:

This classic favorite can provide a healthy dose of calcium, protein and fiber. To do so, use moderate portions of cheese and use whole grain pasta. If you think outside the mac & cheese box, you can even get in your veggies like winter squash, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes or cauliflower.

Cons:

Many traditional mac & cheese recipes can rack up 1,000 calories—that’s half your daily recommended calories! If you’re making the boxed version, you’re talking boatloads of sodium and a laundry list of added preservatives. Folks may also turn to nonfat cheese, which also has tons of chemicals and will leave you without tasty results.

Healthy Mac & Cheese Tips:
  • Experiment with whole grain pasta to up your fiber.
  • Add a veggie like in Ellie’s Macaroni and 4 Cheeses.
  • Use small portions of flavorful cheeses like sharp cheddar. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons per serving.
  • Serve mac & cheese as a side dish alongside lean protein and veggies.
  • Check out more lightened mac & cheese tips and recipes.
YOU VOTE: Who’s the winner? Lasagna or mac & cheese?

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition. See Toby's full bio »

Next Up

The Secret Ingredient to the Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

Sorry, butter and milk — you’ve been replaced.

Packing a Tasty Lunch for Kids

I know a lot of kids would be happy with eating chicken fingers or mac and cheese every day, but there are other healthy and yummy options out there. Check out our favorite recipes to try.

Food Network Magazine: April 2010 Recipe Index

Find recipes for Easter, Passover, mac and cheese, easy weeknight meals and 50 simple egg dishes from Food Network Magazine.

Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Satisfy your cravings for this all-American favorite.

Which Is Healthier: Turkey or Beef Burgers?

Beef burgers get a bad rap for being too high in fat, but turkey burgers can cook up dry and bland. Here's what to know about choosing the best burger.

Apple-Sausage Mac and Cheese — Recipe of the Day

Put a fall spin on cheddar mac and cheese by adding golden chicken-apple sausage and baking until bubbly.

9 Mac and Cheeses That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Some inspiration for your next bowl of cheesy goodness.

The Pioneer Woman's Best-Ever Macaroni and Cheese — Most Popular Pin of the Week

Creamy, rich and, of course, cheesy, Ree's easy-to-make dish is packed with the timeless comfort you crave in a hefty bowl of hearty macaroni and cheese.

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese — Meatless Monday

Upgrade your mac-and-cheese game with one key ingredient: cayenne pepper.

Macaroni & Cheese, Lightened Up

I don’t know many people that would turn down mac and cheese. But is there a way to devour it without worry? Learn how to make the cheesy goodness with less calories and more flavor.