Easy And Economical Lasagna
A hearty, budget-friendly lasagna with cheesy layers and flavorful spaghetti sauce, perfect for family dinners and easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lay down 3 cooked lasagna noodles in the baking dish.
- Mix cottage cheese, egg, and water to create the cheese layer.
- Spread a layer of chunky spaghetti sauce over the noodles.
- Add a layer of the cottage cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, sauce, cheese mixture, and cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta cheese to the cottage cheese mixture. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with cream cheese for a richer flavor. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles instead. To enhance flavor, add Italian spices like oregano or basil to the cheese layer. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian Herb Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or Italian Herb Bread makes a perfect side. For a comforting finish, consider serving Strufoli (Italian Honey Balls) for dessert. This dish is great for family gatherings or casual dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna 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) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, just be sure to cover with a damp paper towel.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy And Economical Lasagna contains roughly 544 calories, with 17g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (33% of the Daily Value) and calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 774mg per serving (34% 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. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to increase the baking time by about 10 minutes if baking it straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of chunky spaghetti sauce?
You can substitute with a smooth marinara sauce or homemade Tom'S Plain Tomato Sauce if you prefer a different texture. For added depth, mix in sautéed vegetables or cooked ground meat before layering.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before 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).