Cape Cod Pasta Strudel (Lasagna)
A savory Italian-inspired pasta strudel featuring hearty sausage, beef, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. sweet or hot Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dried parsley ⓘ
- 4 cups canned tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 12 curly lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 12 curly lasagna noodles
- 1 egg (hard-boiled) ⓘ
Instructions
- Peel sausage and cut into large pieces, then brown in a large saucepan.
- Add ground beef, onion, and garlic; cook until well browned.
- Stir in sugar, salt, basil, fennel seed, pepper, and half of the parsley.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and 1/2 cup water; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix cottage cheese with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and remaining parsley.
- Hard-boil the egg, peel, and chop.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a layer of meat sauce over a prepared pastry sheet, layer noodles, then cheese mixture.
- Add chopped hard-boiled egg on top, then roll up into a strudel shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Let stand for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the Italian sausage and beef. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms and spinach instead of meat. To save time, consider using store-bought marinara or a jar of 'Spaghetti Sauce' (Straight From Italy!) in place of the homemade sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the strudel with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with 'Beth'S Lasagna' for a comforting Italian feast, or enjoy alongside your favorite red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Cape Cod Pasta Strudel can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cape Cod Pasta Strudel (Lasagna) contains roughly 1244 calories, with 88g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (218% of the Daily Value), and protein (177% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2145mg per serving (93% 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 the strudel ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the strudel and assemble it a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven for even cooking.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is an excellent alternative that will provide a similar texture and flavor. You can also use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a richer taste.
Can I freeze the Cape Cod Pasta Strudel?
Absolutely! Once baked, let the strudel cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and 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).