Company Lasagna
A hearty and cheesy layered lasagna with savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato paste
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 c. American cheese
- 1 c. Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sharp cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 1 large box lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, onion, and oregano in a large skillet.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and a little water. Simmer for 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Mix together all cheeses except Parmesan in a bowl.
- Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Drop in lasagna noodles and cook for 15 minutes.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Layer cooked beef mixture, noodles, and cheese mixture in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as needed, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or red pepper flakes when browning the beef. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making the tomato mixture from scratch. Feel free to swap in other cheeses such as ricotta or provolone for a different taste. This dish also works well with cooked vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the hearty flavors beautifully. You can also pair it with Italian Meat Sauce for a delightful twist. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the lasagna with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For individual servings, use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Company Lasagna contains roughly 460 calories, with 34g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1578mg per serving (69% 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 prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Assemble it as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's still cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of your favorite vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. These alternatives will still provide great flavor and texture to the lasagna.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them occasionally while cooking. Adding a tablespoon of oil to the boiling water can also help reduce sticking. After draining, rinse the noodles briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them separate until you layer them.
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).