Aurelia'S Lasagne
A hearty Italian lasagne layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef slowly, spooning off excess fat. Add garlic, parsley, basil, salt, tomato paste, and canned tomatoes. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagne noodles until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Combine cottage cheese with eggs, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Place half of the cooked noodles in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the meat sauce over the layers.
- Repeat with the remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter version, swap cottage cheese for ricotta cheese. Adding spinach to the layers can enhance nutrition and flavor, similar to recipes like Inside Out Ravioli(Your Kids Will Eat Spinach!). Remember to let the lasagna rest before slicing to set the layers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Caesar salad or roasted vegetables would complement the dish nicely. For an Italian twist, consider pairing it with Italian recipes like Quick Spaghetti And Meat Sauce for a family feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aurelia'S Lasagne contains roughly 164 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and potassium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1066mg per serving (46% 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 prepare the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to prevent drying out. When ready to bake, it may need an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven to heat through due to being cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding time if necessary.
What can I use instead of ground beef in this recipe?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. These alternatives will provide different flavors but still create a delicious 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).