Best Lasagne
A hearty, layered lasagne bursting with savory ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings or cozy week‑night dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 box lasagne noodles
- 3 lb. lean ground beef or ground turkey ⓘ
- 4 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 cups chopped canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. sausage (optional) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. basil flakes ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 6 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 beaten eggs
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 cups Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil lasagne noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet, drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the meat, cook until translucent, then stir in tomato sauce, chopped tomatoes, garlic, sausage (if using), basil flakes, and parsley flakes.
- Simmer the sauce mixture for 15 minutes, letting flavors meld.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, pepper, 4 tablespoons parsley flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Shred mild cheese and mozzarella cheese and set aside for layering.
- Layer cold noodles in a 13 x 9‑inch glass dish, spreading tomato sauce mixture, then cottage cheese mixture, repeating to create three layers.
- Sprinkle shredded mild and mozzarella cheeses on top of each layer, finishing with a generous topping of both cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
- Let the lasagne rest before slicing, and enjoy warm.
- Optionally, cover with plastic wrap and freeze for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own. For a healthier twist, substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or Greek yogurt. Make sure to layer plenty of cheese for that classic lasagne finish, similar to what's found in various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine, enhancing the flavors. For a twist, try serving it alongside the Microwave Stuffed Manicotti for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 3-5 minutes, but ensure it's heated evenly to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Lasagne contains roughly 984 calories, with 27g protein, 186g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (149% of the Daily Value), calcium (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 600mg per serving (26% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even tastier dish. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture, ricotta cheese is an excellent substitute for cottage cheese in this recipe. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option while maintaining creaminess. Just ensure to adjust seasoning accordingly, as Greek yogurt can be tangier.
Can I freeze lasagne?
Absolutely! Lasagne freezes well. Before baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. It can also be reheated directly from frozen; just increase the baking time.
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).