Easy Lasagna Ii
A hearty and cheesy lasagna with rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Its layered flavors and comforting texture make it a crowd-pleaser, offering a classic Italian-inspired dish that satisfies cravings for cheesy, saucy goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grease a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Combine the browned hamburger with the spaghetti sauce.
- Mix the eggs into the cottage cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the prepared pan.
- Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles.
- Spread a layer of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of chopped mozzarella cheese.
- Pour a generous layer of sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, sauce, until ingredients are used, ending with sauce on top.
- Cover tightly with heavy-duty foil.
- Bake at 375°F for 1 hour.
- Let stand, covered, outside of the oven, for 12 to 20 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the hamburger. For a lighter version, substitute part-skim mozzarella and cottage cheese. If you prefer, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used instead of uncooked ones. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning can elevate the dish further, echoing the flavors found in traditional Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the lasagna. It also pairs beautifully with Homemade Italian Spaghetti for those wanting to enjoy a variety of flavors. A glass of red wine can enhance the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking to prevent overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Lasagna Ii contains roughly 222 calories, with 13g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (28% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 608mg per serving (26% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together, making it even tastier when baked.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, lasagna freezes well. Cut it into portions and wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture, ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk for a smoother consistency, or use a dairy-free alternative if needed.
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).