E Z Lasagna
E Z Lasagna offers a quick, hearty Italian-inspired dish with tender beef, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown and drain the ground beef.
- Stir in the spaghetti sauce.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, spread a little sauce to cover the bottom.
- Layer uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese over the noodles.
- Top with a layer of sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella.
- Repeat the layering with remaining noodles, cottage cheese, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Blend together eggs and milk and pour over the assembled lasagna.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the egg mixture is solid.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for half of the cottage cheese. If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. They absorb moisture from the sauce and will cook perfectly during baking. Adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can boost the flavor and nutrition of this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This E Z Lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving adds a nice touch. For those looking for more Italian recipes, consider serving alongside a bowl of Low-Fat Minestrone Soup for a delightful combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or cover the entire dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of E Z Lasagna contains roughly 823 calories, with 22g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (45% of the Daily Value), calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 763mg per serving (33% 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 use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you're looking for a leaner option. It will still provide a delicious flavor, especially with the spaghetti sauce. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly before layering in the lasagna.
Can I prepare this lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator, covered. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge to the oven.
What can I do if I don't have mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use any melty cheese such as provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. Just ensure that the cheese you choose melts well to achieve that gooey, cheesy top layer.
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).