Grandma'S Lasagne
A hearty, comforting lasagne layered with rich meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and savory noodles—perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger; drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and green peppers to the hamburger and cook until tender.
- Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomato paste, ground oregano, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions; remove bay leaves from sauce afterward.
- Spread a little sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Layer noodles, sauce, and mozzarella cheese in the dish.
- Repeat the layers until ingredients are used up.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes or until cheese is browned and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomato sauce. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the hamburger with mushrooms or lentils. You can also mix in some spinach or zucchini to boost the nutrition. For a crispy top, broil for the last few minutes of baking, which enhances the cheese texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette pairs beautifully with the cheesy layers. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Vegetable Soup Of Trieste for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven gives better results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Lasagne contains roughly 691 calories, with 26g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (205% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 57g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 freeze lasagne?
Yes, lasagne freezes well. Assemble it fully, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake directly from the freezer but add 30-40 minutes to the baking time.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
To prevent lasagne noodles from sticking, ensure they are well-cooked and not overcooked, then toss them lightly in olive oil before layering. Additionally, separate the layers with enough sauce to keep moisture between them.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses that melt well, like fontina or gouda. For a lower-fat option, try part-skim mozzarella, but note that it may not be as creamy.
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).