Applause Winning Baked Lasagna
A hearty baked lasagna featuring savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese layers, perfect for family dinners and special gatherings alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage, pork or ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can (1 lb.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 cans (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 10 oz. lasagna noodles
- 3 c. cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a skillet.
- Spoon off excess fat.
- Add garlic, parsley flakes, basil, salt, tomatoes, and tomato paste.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, combine cottage cheese, eggs, seasonings, and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish starting with lasagna noodles, then tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of Italian sausage and ground beef. If you're short on time, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with no-boil varieties for quicker prep. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish; try using fresh basil instead of dried. Remember to adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Applause Winning Baked Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the lasagna, while a glass of red wine enhances the flavors. For an Italian touch, consider serving with Gilda'S Italian Omelet(Frittata) as a brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. This ensures the lasagna retains its moisture and flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applause Winning Baked Lasagna contains roughly 873 calories, with 77g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (153% of the Daily Value), calcium (136% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2399mg per serving (104% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze baked lasagna?
Absolutely! Baked lasagna can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat according to the instructions.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute. For a lighter option, try fat-free cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk or Greek yogurt. Each alternative will give a slightly different texture but will still work well in the lasagna.
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).