Beth'S Lasagna
Beth's Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy Italian dish layered with savory meat sauce, tender noodles, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup celery, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, minced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lard or drippings ⓘ
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes (3 1/2 cups)
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1/2 pound lasagna noodles (6-8) ⓘ
- 12 oz. mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
- 8 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook celery, onion, and garlic in drippings until tender.
- Add ground beef and cook over medium heat until the meat is crumbly and no longer red.
- Add tomatoes and tomato paste to the meat mixture.
- Season with salt, sugar, cayenne pepper, and oregano.
- Place bay leaf on top of the mixture and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes. Do not stir.
- Remove bay leaf.
- Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles as directed on the box.
- Arrange half of the noodles in the bottom of a 12x8x2 inch baking dish.
- Spoon in half of the meat mixture, then half of the cottage cheese, then half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers: noodles, meat, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while simmering. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef if you prefer a lighter option. Additionally, if you don't have lard or drippings, olive oil works well too. Layering with vegetables like spinach or zucchini can also enhance nutrition, making this dish a great way to incorporate more veggies into your meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Beth's Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil can elevate the presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, making it a versatile option for gatherings. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside Italian Beef Stew With Rosemary.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For best results, cover the lasagna with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, which helps to maintain its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beth'S Lasagna contains roughly 387 calories, with 21g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (96% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1163mg per serving (51% 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 in advance. Assemble it completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake directly, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute that will yield a similar creamy texture. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to create a similar consistency if ricotta is unavailable.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown. You can also insert a knife in the center to check if it’s hot throughout. If it’s not hot all the way through, bake it for a few more minutes.
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).