Cheesy Lasagna
Cheesy lasagna is a hearty Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of tender noodles, savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its comforting flavors and satisfying texture make it a classic favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute ground beef and chopped onion in a deep skillet until browned and onion is tender.
- Pour off excess fat, then add canned stewed tomatoes and tomato paste. Simmer the mixture for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat eggs and mix with cottage cheese, salt, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Spread a layer of cooked lasagna noodles at the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Add a layer of the meat and tomato mixture, then spread some of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat layers: noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, until ingredients are used up.
- Top with half of the grated mozzarella cheese, then add another layer of noodles and remaining ingredients.
- Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach between the layers. If you're out of cottage cheese, ricotta can be a great substitute. To save time, use store-bought lasagna noodles that don't require pre-cooking. This recipe can be a great introduction to Italian recipes for those new to cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the flavors beautifully. For a twist, try pairing it with Italian Meatball Soup for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a covered dish at 350°F until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Lasagna contains roughly 731 calories, with 31g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (139% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and calcium (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 579mg per serving (25% 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 a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly. If you want to freeze it, assemble the lasagna without baking, wrap it well, and bake it directly from the freezer, adding extra time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you're looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Both substitutions will change the flavor but can be equally delicious.
How can I make my lasagna less watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, make sure to drain excess liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding them to the meat mixture. You can also increase the simmering time to evaporate more moisture. Using low-moisture mozzarella can help as well.
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).