Frances' Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, mozzarella, cottage cheese, and Parmesan, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add tomato sauce, whole tomatoes, and spaghetti sauce mix. Cover and cook for 40 minutes over low heat.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In an 8 1/2 x 11-inch baking pan, layer half of the cooked noodles.
- Cover with one-third of the meat sauce, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the cottage cheese.
- Repeat with remaining noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella, and cottage cheese.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat sauce. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use a mix of cheeses for more depth. If you're short on time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles. Ensure the noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent them from drying out during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Frances' Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables can also complement this hearty dish. For a lightened-up version, consider serving with a simple zucchini salad or a side of steamed broccoli. A glass of red wine would make a delightful pairing as well.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frances' Lasagna contains roughly 281 calories, with 21g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (41% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. At about 281 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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?
Yes, you can prepare Frances' Lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Once cooled, slice the lasagna and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great substitute that will provide a similar texture and flavor. You can also mix in some spinach to enhance the filling and add a nutritional boost, creating a delicious variation of this classic 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).