Audrey'S Lasagne
A hearty, layered lasagne featuring savory sausage, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the sweet sausage and ground beef slowly in a skillet.
- Spoon off excess fat from the cooked meat.
- Add garlic, parsley flakes, basil, salt, tomato paste, and canned tomatoes to the meat.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Cook lasagne noodles in boiling salted water until tender, then drain.
- Rinse cooked noodles in cold water and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese with eggs, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the meat sauce over the layer.
- Repeat the layers with remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Bake at 375°F until the lasagne is cooked through and bubbly.
- Garnish with triangles of mozzarella cheese before serving.
- Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagne noodles to skip the cooking step. For a lighter version, try substituting half of the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish, so feel free to replace dried herbs with fresh ones if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Audrey's Lasagne with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables also complements the dish well. For a fun twist, consider pairing it with a light Italian wine or browsing more Italian recipes for additional inspiration. This lasagne is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the lasagne with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Audrey'S Lasagne contains roughly 263 calories, with 22g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 794mg per serving (35% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze lasagne?
Absolutely! You can freeze lasagne before baking or after it has cooled down. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake according to the instructions, or bake from frozen, adding extra time.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. For a healthier option, you can also use Greek yogurt mixed with some grated Parmesan for added flavor. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning, as Greek yogurt can be slightly tangy.
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).