Ethel'S Lasagna
Ethel's Lasagna offers rich layers of seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, perfect for hearty family dinners and gatherings that love classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- garlic powder ⓘ
- 3 to 4 pounds ground beef ⓘ
- 2 large cans whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- chopped parsley ⓘ
- 4 or 5 basil leaves ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 2 large packages mozzarella ⓘ
- 2 large packages sharp cheddar ⓘ
- 1 large box noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Chop and brown onion and green pepper in olive oil with garlic powder.
- Simmer the onion and green pepper mixture for 15 minutes.
- Brown and drain 3 to 4 pounds of ground beef.
- Add all remaining ingredients except cheese, including the onion and green pepper mixture.
- Cook until the sauce becomes thick.
- Boil noodles in salted water for 10 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the cooked noodles.
- Grease pans and layer noodles, sauce, then cheese, alternating layers.
- Add more noodles and sauce, then top with cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can be used to skip boiling. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Fresh herbs can be swapped for dried, but use about one-third the amount. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Hearty Italian Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Ethel's Lasagna is perfect for gatherings and pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light red wine, such as Chianti, complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a twist, serve alongside Pizza Style Baked Spaghetti for an Italian feast that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ethel'S Lasagna contains roughly 561 calories, with 20g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value), calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1569mg per serving (68% 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 prepare Ethel's Lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Ethel's Lasagna freezes well. Just wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, provolone or gouda can be great alternatives to mozzarella for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Mixing in ricotta can also add creaminess to the dish.
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).