Easy Italian Lasagna
A hearty and cheesy Italian lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 24 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. garlic salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 16 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dairy sour cream ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions with tops ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain.
- In a skillet, cook ground chuck until brown; drain excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, sugar, salt, garlic salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat.
- Combine cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, and chopped green pepper.
- Put half of the lasagna noodles in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch buttered baking dish.
- Moisten lasagna with some meat sauce.
- Cover with cheese mixture.
- Top with remaining lasagna noodles, then meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 40 minutes.
- Allow to stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the cheese mixture. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of regular ones. Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences or try adding some Italian herbs for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar pairs beautifully with this dish. For an Italian touch, consider serving alongside Marinated Spaghetti Salad for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Italian Lasagna contains roughly 302 calories, with 15g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 757mg 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a creamier texture. Greek yogurt is another alternative that adds a tangy flavor while keeping it light.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground chuck and add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You can layer in roasted vegetables or even use lentils for added texture and protein.
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).