Day Before Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna with savory sausage or beef, layered with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for make-ahead family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour a small amount of spaghetti sauce into a 9 x 13-inch pan and cover the bottom with uncooked lasagna noodles.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, oregano, eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Combine browned meat with spaghetti sauce and pour half over the cottage cheese layer.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, spaghetti sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Add a layer of mozzarella on top about 15 minutes before the lasagna is finished baking.
- Make the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding some sautéed onions or garlic to the meat mixture. You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if preferred. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can save you some prep time. This recipe can also benefit from a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an added kick, reminiscent of dishes like Pepperoni Pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette pairs well, balancing the richness of the lasagna. For a comforting twist, consider pairing it with Italian Rice Salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers 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 (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Day Before Lasagna contains roughly 576 calories, with 16g protein, 120g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (129% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% 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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this lasagna vegetarian by omitting the meat and using a hearty vegetable sauce instead. Consider adding layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?
To make this lasagna gluten-free, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the spaghetti sauce, are labeled gluten-free. This allows you to enjoy this classic dish without gluten.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time, keeping it covered until heated 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).