Donna'S Lasagna
Donna's Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy Italian dish layered with savory ground beef, sausage, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it offers bold flavors and comforting textures that satisfy every palate.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 8 oz. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 14.5 oz. can tomatoes, pureed ⓘ
- 6 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sugar
- 3 Tbsp. dried parsley, divided ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt, divided ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 cups cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage; drain excess fat.
- Add pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 1 tablespoon parsley, basil, garlic, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use ricotta instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can be a quick alternative. This lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Donna's Lasagna hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs excellently with a crisp green salad and a side of garlic bread. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Pot Roast or Italian Delight(Large Portion) for a truly satisfying feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake the entire dish at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of mozzarella on top before reheating can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Donna'S Lasagna contains roughly 279 calories, with 18g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1289mg per serving (56% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just be sure to extend the baking time by a few minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Donna's Lasagna, replace the ground beef and Italian sausage with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add lentils or beans for extra protein and texture, making it a hearty dish without meat.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is an excellent substitute that will provide a creamy texture. You can also blend silken tofu for a dairy-free option or use a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for added richness.
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).