Garden Lasagna Sauce
A vibrant vegetable-packed lasagna sauce with savory herbs and ground beef, perfect for hearty family dinners or casual gatherings that love rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 3 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons basil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons parsley ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons rosemary ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated carrots ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced zucchini ⓘ
- 1 egg beaten (optional) ⓘ
- 28 oz jar spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- 6 oz can tomato paste ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions; cook until onions are translucent.
- Stir in sugar, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary, and pepper; mix well.
- Add diced celery, grated carrots, and sliced zucchini; cook for a few minutes.
- Pour in the spaghetti sauce and add the tomato paste; stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes over low heat.
- Let the sauce stand for 10 to 15 minutes before adding the beaten egg.
- Use this sauce for layering in lasagna or serving with pasta.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; consider using fresh basil or parsley instead of dried. Ensure to stir the sauce frequently to prevent sticking, especially when simmering. This sauce can also be made ahead and frozen for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This Garden Lasagna Sauce pairs beautifully with Sharon'S Favorite Lasagna, but it can also be served over your choice of pasta. Complement the meal with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a delightful dining experience. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Reheat by thawing in the refrigerator overnight, then warming gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well before serving to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garden Lasagna Sauce contains roughly 778 calories, with 28g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (246% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (243% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2147mg per serving (93% 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 this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste. Just reheat it before using it for your lasagna or pasta dish.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives to ground beef if you're looking for a lighter option. For a vegetarian choice, use lentils, mushrooms, or even crumbled tofu to maintain a hearty texture in the sauce.
How long can I store this sauce?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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).