American Lasagna
American Lasagna offers a hearty and comforting combination of seasoned ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted Swiss cheese layered between tender wide noodles. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its rich tomato sauce and cheesy layers make it a crowd-pleasing classic with familiar flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to hot oil in the skillet.
- Stir in tomato paste, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, and oregano.
- Cover and simmer the sauce for 20 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 13x9 inch baking dish, layer cooked wide noodles, Swiss cheese, cottage cheese, and meat sauce.
- Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the ground beef. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you're short on time, using no-boil lasagna noodles can save you some prep work. Don't forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go along to suit your preference.
Serving Suggestions
This American Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a creamy coleslaw. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving elevates the dish even further.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of American Lasagna contains roughly 714 calories, with 22g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (123% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1144mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions as usual.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, mozzarella or provolone are great substitutes that will melt beautifully. For a sharper flavor, consider using cheddar cheese. Experimenting with different cheeses can give your lasagna a unique twist.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).