Double Duty Lasagna
Double Duty Lasagna combines rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella in a satisfying layered dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Brown the pork sausage, ground meat, and minced garlic in a skillet.
- Drain excess grease from the meat mixture.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the meat mixture and simmer briefly.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese with the egg and parsley.
- Layer half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of each of two 8x8-inch baking dishes.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles in each dish.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the cottage cheese layer in each dish.
- Add half of the meat sauce over the cheese layers in each dish.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, and meat sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top of each assembled lasagna.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of Italian sausage and ground beef. You can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred, or add spinach to the cheese mixture for extra nutrition. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which require no cooking. Make sure to let the lasagna rest for a few minutes after baking for easier slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Double Duty Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Italian antipasto platter. For a delightful finish, top with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna 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. For individual portions, microwave on medium power until warm, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Double Duty Lasagna contains roughly 571 calories, with 50g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 639mg per serving (28% 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 in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. If you prefer, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months; bake it directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of pork sausage?
If you want to substitute the pork sausage, consider using turkey sausage for a leaner option or a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. You can also use ground beef or chicken for a different flavor profile, just be sure to season it well to enhance the taste.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Double Duty Lasagna gluten-free, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles available at most grocery stores. Ensure that your spaghetti sauce and any other ingredients are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, gluten-free variation of this comforting dish.
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).