Favorite Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna with rich meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining savory flavors and melty cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1/2 c. onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste
- 1/2 can water ⓘ
- 3 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. celery, chopped
- 1 tsp. onion salt ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground round and sausage in a large skillet; drain well.
- Return to medium heat and add Italian seasoning and onion salt, blending well into the meat.
- Add tomato paste and water, stir until the sauce thoroughly coats the meat mixture.
- Add tomato sauce and blend well.
- Cover and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil or oregano in place of Italian seasoning. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles. This recipe can be adjusted to suit various dietary preferences by experimenting with different cheeses, such as ricotta or cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna is best served hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Pair it with a crisp side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside Grilled Pizzas for a casual dinner party or family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Favorite Lasagna contains roughly 679 calories, with 63g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (126% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 758mg 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 lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time, assemble it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even cream cheese for a richer texture. Greek yogurt can also be a great alternative, providing a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy.
Is it possible to freeze lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes very well. To freeze, assemble it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
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).