Baked Lasagna Casserole
A hearty baked lasagna casserole featuring rich meat sauce, creamy cheese layers, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped parsley
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- grated Parmesan ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large heavy pan, brown the ground beef in oil with minced onion, chopped garlic, and chopped parsley.
- Add tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper to the pan and simmer the mixture for 1 hour.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix with Ricotta or cottage cheese and grated Parmesan.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in a casserole dish.
- Repeat layers as needed, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat sauce. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. For a vegetarian option, substitute with sautéed mushrooms and spinach. Be sure to cook the noodles al dente since they will continue to cook in the oven. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Baked Lasagna Casserole with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad enhances the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Meat Sauce or can be enjoyed on its own. For a festive touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lasagna Casserole contains roughly 593 calories, with 33g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), iron (59% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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 assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta, cottage cheese is a great substitute, providing a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, consider using blended silken tofu mixed with nutritional yeast to achieve a cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the meat sauce before layering. Additionally, letting the assembled lasagna sit for about 10-15 minutes after baking allows it to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
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).