Cheesy Lasagne
Cheesy Lasagne is a comforting Italian dish layered with creamy ricotta, rich mozzarella, and savory spaghetti sauce. It's a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that satisfy both cheese lovers and pasta enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl, combine Ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, and 1/2 cup of Mozzarella cheese.
- Add eggs and chopped parsley to the cheese mixture.
- Soak lasagne noodles in cold water for 10 minutes.
- In a baking pan, spread 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce, then place 3 noodles on top.
- Spread 1/3 of the Ricotta filling over the noodles.
- Pour 1 cup of sauce over the cheese filling.
- Repeat the layers, ending with sauce on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of béchamel sauce or using a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese. You can substitute fresh herbs like basil or oregano for parsley to enhance the flavor. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagne noodles. This dish pairs excellently with Italian recipes featuring vegetables, like Italian Vegetable Pizzas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your cheesy lasagne hot, garnished with additional parsley or grated cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving alongside Biscuit Topped Italian Casserole for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cheesy lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For individual servings, microwave for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Lasagne contains roughly 718 calories, with 32g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 890mg per serving (39% 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. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a similar texture. This keeps the dish creamy while adding a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I freeze cheesy lasagne?
Yes, cheesy lasagne freezes well. Assemble it in an oven-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes, ensuring it's heated all the way through.
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).