Choice Lasagna
A hearty layered lasagna combining savory meat, rich cheeses, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that love classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon basil
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 can tomato soup ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 cups large curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs beaten ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and ground pork in a skillet.
- Add minced garlic, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, basil, 1 teaspoon salt, stewed tomatoes, and tomato soup to the meat.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a greased casserole, place a layer of cooked noodles.
- Add a layer of the meat-tomato mixture over the noodles.
- Spread a layer of the cottage cheese mixture on top of the meat.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating some red wine into the meat sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese instead of large curd cottage cheese. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can elevate the taste, so feel free to use them if available. Browse more Italian recipes for inspiration.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the rich flavors. You can also consider serving it alongside a light vegetable dish, like steamed broccoli or a green bean almondine, for a balanced plate.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Choice Lasagna contains roughly 436 calories, with 32g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1041mg per serving (45% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of ground beef and pork?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. These can provide a hearty texture while adding nutritional value to the dish.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! Lasagna freezes well. Make sure it is completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer 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).