Aunt Juanita'S Lasagna
Hearty Italian lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, melted cheeses, and savory herbs, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that crave bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 1 chopped onion ⓘ
- garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 lb. can tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 16 oz. water
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. provolone cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet.
- Brown the ground meat with chopped onion and garlic powder.
- Combine the cooked meats with canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, sugar, oregano, basil, pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer the sauce for 3 hours.
- Remove the sausage from the sauce and slice it.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Layer in a 13 x 9-inch pan: sauce, noodles, and cheese, repeating layers.
- Top the lasagna with sliced sausage, then cover with additional sauce.
- Cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for one hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried, and feel free to mix in zucchini or spinach for a veggie boost. If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're short on time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles for quicker assembly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Juanita's lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish. You can also create a 'Top Your Own' Pizza Bar with leftover ingredients for a fun family dinner night. For dessert, consider a light Italian sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 30 minutes from frozen.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Juanita'S Lasagna contains roughly 876 calories, with 50g protein, 125g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (251% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (190% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1305mg per serving (57% 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 prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. If you're making it further in advance, consider freezing it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's frozen.
What type of cheese works best for lasagna?
Mozzarella is a classic choice for its meltiness, but you can also use ricotta or a blend of Italian cheeses for variation. Provolone adds a nice depth of flavor as well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to create a custom blend.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground meat and sausage with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also use lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh for added protein. Ensure the sauces used are vegetarian-friendly.
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).