Aunt Monya'S Lasagna
A hearty layered lasagna featuring rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked noodles, ideal for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy bold Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck with salt, pepper, and garlic in a large skillet.
- Drain off excess fat and add Prego sauce; mix thoroughly.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Romano cheese, Parmesan cheese, sugar, and eggs; mix well.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then layer with lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce topped with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, sauté some diced onions and bell peppers along with the ground chuck. If you want to lighten it up, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute the Prego sauce with homemade marinara or another favorite brand. To save time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Monya's Lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with *Favorite Tortellini Salad* for a hearty Italian feast. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the dish perfectly, enhancing the flavors of the sauce and cheeses while maintaining a classic Italian dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. For individual servings, the microwave works well, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Monya'S Lasagna contains roughly 568 calories, with 43g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (85% of the Daily Value), calcium (73% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1846mg per serving (80% 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?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through properly.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture. This can maintain the creaminess while still providing a rich flavor in the lasagna.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground chuck with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for added protein. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of Aunt Monya's 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).