Bill'S Lasagne
A hearty and cheesy lasagne layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the onion and cook in a pan on low heat.
- Brown the lean hamburger and drain the grease.
- Add Italian seasoning and minced garlic to taste; then add tomato sauce and tomato paste to the meat and heat until hot.
- In a large bowl, combine the sauce with cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Boil the lasagne noodles as directed until done.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse in cold water.
- In a 9 x 13 x 2-inch Pyrex dish, layer lasagne noodles on the bottom.
- Cover the layer completely with sauce mixture.
- Add sliced mozzarella cheese on top, covering completely.
- Repeat the layers until reaching the top of the dish.
- Finish with a top layer of lasagne noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning and minced garlic to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean hamburger for a lighter option. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagne noodles. For a twist, try incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, which are also great in other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagne pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian-inspired dinner, consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine. You can also enjoy it with sides like roasted vegetables or a classic Italian antipasto platter, which can complement the flavors well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bill'S Lasagne contains roughly 861 calories, with 48g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (96% of the Daily Value), calcium (67% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% 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 prepare the lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream cheese or cottage cheese for a similar texture. Blending the cottage cheese until smooth can help mimic the creaminess of ricotta.
Can I freeze the lasagne?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagne before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).