Baked Lasagne(River Road Recipe)
A hearty baked lasagne layered with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 c. tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz.) large curd cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef slowly in a skillet.
- Add minced garlic, parsley flakes, basil, salt, tomatoes, tomato paste, and simmer uncovered until thick, about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagne noodles until tender, then drain and rinse in cold water.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. To save time, try using no-boil lasagne noodles. For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to use them instead of dried.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked lasagne with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds extra flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes and a light red wine for a delightful Italian dinner experience. For a heartier meal, consider pairing it with a robust side like Italian Macaroni Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the baked lasagne cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. Adding a splash of water can help keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Lasagne(River Road Recipe) contains roughly 340 calories, with 22g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and protein (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% 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 assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it's going into the oven cold. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a fantastic substitute. It has a similar texture and flavor but is creamier. You can also blend cottage cheese to make it smoother if you prefer. For a dairy-free option, try using blended tofu mixed with nutritional yeast.
How do I prevent the lasagne from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagne, ensure that the meat sauce is thickened properly before layering. Use crushed tomatoes instead of diced ones for a thicker consistency. Additionally, draining the cottage cheese can help reduce moisture. Layering the noodles and sauce properly will also help absorb excess liquid during cooking.
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).