Creamy Lasagne
Creamy lasagne layered with savory meat, melted cheeses, and rich tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comfort food with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves, crushed ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 8 oz Philadelphia brand cream cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
- 8 oz lasagne noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz) packages Kraft low-moisture part-skim Mozzarella cheese slices ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion; cook until tender.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, water, minced garlic, crushed oregano leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Combine cream cheese and milk in a saucepan; stir over low heat until smooth.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking pan, layer half of the cooked lasagne noodles.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the noodles.
- Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the meat layer.
- Add a layer of half of the mozzarella slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining noodles, meat mixture, cream cheese mixture, mozzarella slices, and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use low-fat cream cheese for a healthier version. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish's freshness, complementing the flavors beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy lasagne pairs well with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For an Italian touch, serve alongside Ethel'S Lasagna for a delightful dinner spread. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the rich flavors perfectly, creating a comforting dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover creamy lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they're heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Lasagne contains roughly 517 calories, with 20g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), and calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1336mg per serving (58% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and follow the baking instructions. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I freeze the lasagne?
Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagne before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, ricotta cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt can work well. This will still give you that creamy texture while altering the flavor slightly. You can also try cottage cheese blended until smooth for a lighter option.
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).