Easy Way Lasagna
A hearty and flavorful lasagna layered with seasoned meats, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that crave comfort food with rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna macaroni until tender, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic. Set aside to cool.
- Cook the Italian sausage thoroughly in a skillet. Cool and cut into small pieces.
- Layer the cooked macaroni, browned hamburger, sausage, ricotta, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, finishing with mozzarella on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese between the layers. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the ricotta with cottage cheese. You can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger for a leaner option. To save time, prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread. Consider serving it alongside a side of Anita'S Antipasto for a delightful appetizer. For drinks, a light red wine complements the hearty flavors well. Leftovers also make for great lunches the next day.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Way Lasagna contains roughly 1017 calories, with 69g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (138% of the Daily Value), calcium (111% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2008mg per serving (87% 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 no-boil lasagna noodles instead?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just make sure to add extra sauce to ensure the noodles cook properly. Layer them with the same ingredients, but check the baking time as it may vary.
Is it possible to freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
If you prefer not to use Italian sausage, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken seasoned with Italian herbs. Alternatively, using a plant-based sausage can make the dish vegetarian-friendly while still providing great flavor.
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).