Chef Tony Lasagna
Chef Tony's Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful dish combining layers of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef or turkey, rich cheeses, and savory Italian sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a comforting blend of cheesy goodness and robust meat flavors that satisfy all ages.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic crushed ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 (10 1/2 oz.) cans meatless Italian sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. kielbasa sausage sliced thin ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 cups large curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs beaten ⓘ
- 12 oz. mozzarella cheese sliced ⓘ
- 12 oz. Old English cheese sliced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and drain.
- Cook ground beef or turkey, crushed garlic, and chopped onions in a large saucepan for 10 minutes.
- Add Italian sauce, sliced kielbasa, water, and salt; mix well and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese and beaten eggs.
- Grease a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch baking pan.
- Layer cooked lasagna, sliced mozzarella cheese, meat sauce, and cottage cheese mixture, beginning with lasagna and ending with meat sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or oregano to the meat sauce. If you're looking for a lighter option, ground turkey can be substituted for beef. You can also use rotini instead of lasagna noodles for a fun twist. Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat for a healthier dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with Chef Tony Lasagna, enhancing the rich flavors. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a fresh Italian-style salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chef Tony Lasagna contains roughly 604 calories, with 29g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1796mg per serving (78% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes in cold. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned above.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can use ricotta cheese as a substitute. It will give a creamier texture to the layers. Alternatively, you can blend silken tofu for a dairy-free option that maintains the moisture in the dish.
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).