Granny'S Lasagna
A hearty, layered lasagna featuring seasoned ground meat, savory tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese—perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 12-inch casserole dish.
- Saute chopped onions and bell peppers until tender.
- Add ground meat and sugar; cook until meat is browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat and return meat mixture to skillet.
- Add crushed tomatoes and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Layer meat mixture and uncooked lasagna noodles into the casserole, beginning and ending with the meat mixture.
- Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and let stand for 30 minutes.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider adding garlic or Italian herbs to the meat mixture. If you're looking to lighten the dish, substitute half of the ground meat with mushrooms or use zucchini slices in place of some lasagna noodles for a unique twist. This recipe can also be made with whole wheat noodles for a healthier version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Granny's Lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside Light Italian Spaghetti Primavera for a delightful contrast in flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Granny'S Lasagna contains roughly 460 calories, with 40g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), calcium (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 638mg per serving (28% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix in ricotta for creaminess or use provolone for a sharper flavor. Just ensure to maintain the overall cheese quantity to achieve the desired gooey texture.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the ground meat with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. You can also add lentils or a meat substitute to keep it hearty while making it part of your vegetarian recipes collection.
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).