Beef Lasagna
Hearty beef lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 2 (8 oz.) cans pizza sauce ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. lasagna noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, onion, and garlic in a frypan; drain.
- Add tomato sauce, pizza sauce, salt, basil, and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of ground beef sauce for topping.
- Place 1 cup of remaining meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer with half the cooked lasagna noodles.
- Spread half of the remaining meat sauce over the noodles.
- Spread 1/2 cup cottage cheese over the sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup grated Mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the cottage cheese.
- Repeat with remaining noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, and cheeses.
- Distribute the reserved meat sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with no-boil noodles. For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef. To enhance the taste, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like a simple Caprese salad or roasted vegetables. For added flavor, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the salad. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover beef lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can add a splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Lasagna contains roughly 599 calories, with 29g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (178% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 797mg per serving (35% 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 ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, it may take a little longer since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze beef lasagna?
Absolutely! Beef lasagna can be frozen either before or after baking. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute that will provide a similar texture and flavor. You can also blend cream cheese with a little milk for a creamy alternative. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to taste, as cottage cheese is typically more mild.
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).