Ellie Cox'S Lasagna
Ellie Cox's Lasagna features a hearty meat sauce layered with cheeses and noodles, creating a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground chuck with chopped onion and green pepper; season with salt and pepper, then drain excess grease.
- Mix stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, and McCormick spaghetti mix. Simmer this mixture for about 30 minutes.
- Add the cooked tomato mixture to the browned meat.
- While the tomato mixture is simmering, cook the noodles in boiling water with 1 teaspoon salad oil for approximately 10 minutes.
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, spread about half of the meat-tomato mixture, then sprinkle Parmesan and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Add the cooked noodles over the cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining meat-tomato mixture and finish with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. You can also use whole wheat noodles for added nutrition. For extra creaminess, layer in some ricotta cheese before adding the mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna is a hearty main dish that pairs wonderfully with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Italian recipes like Spinach-Spaghetti Bake for a delightful variety. A glass of red wine can complement the flavors beautifully, enhancing your dining experience.
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 a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ellie Cox'S Lasagna contains roughly 139 calories, with 9g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.
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 prepare this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. If baking from cold, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well. For a sharper flavor, consider using cheddar or gouda. Just make sure the cheese melts well to maintain the creamy texture of the dish.
Can this lasagna be frozen?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the original baking instructions.
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).