Debbie'S Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and creamy ricotta, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. hamburger meat ⓘ
- 1 1/2 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/8 cup parsley leaves ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) package Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 large package shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 can Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat, chopped onions, and garlic in a skillet.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, basil, parsley, and sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for one hour.
- Mix ricotta cheese with eggs, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon parsley leaves.
- Layer cooked meat mixture, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Top with Parmesan cheese and bake until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while cooking. If you don't have ricotta cheese, cottage cheese can be a good substitute, just blend it for a smoother texture. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, so feel free to use fresh basil and parsley instead of dried. This lasagna can be adapted to be gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a simple side salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread pairs beautifully with this dish, making it a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Italian Pasta Salad (Low-Fat) for a complete Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna should be cooled completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Debbie'S Lasagna contains roughly 723 calories, with 25g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), iron (56% of the Daily Value), and protein (49% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1542mg per serving (67% 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 assemble the lasagna a day before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the hamburger meat with a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add spinach for extra nutrition. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring a delicious meatless lasagna.
What type of pasta works best for lasagna?
Lasagna noodles are best for this dish, but you can use no-boil noodles for convenience. If you prefer traditional noodles, just ensure they are cooked al dente before layering. This will prevent the lasagna from becoming too watery during baking.
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).