Hazel'S Lasagna
Hazel's Lasagna features rich meat sauce layered with cheese and herbs, creating a hearty Italian classic perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups tomato paste ⓘ
- 5 cups tomatoes (from 2 large cans) ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 8 ounces lasagna ⓘ
- 1 pound Ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 12 ounces Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter or margarine in a large skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until all red color disappears.
- Stir in tomato paste, tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 to 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a lighter version, ground turkey works well as a substitute. To save time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor; consider adding chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Garlic Bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for an added touch of flavor. A side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna perfectly. For a complete meal, pair it with Garlic Bread or Italian-style roasted vegetables. This hearty dish is great for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but ensure they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hazel'S Lasagna contains roughly 1102 calories, with 60g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 84g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (131% of the Daily Value), protein (121% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1104mg per serving (48% 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 Hazel's Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese on hand, cottage cheese is a fantastic alternative. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, consider using cashew cream or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for added flavor.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, be sure to drain any excess liquid from canned tomatoes and avoid adding too much sauce during layering. Additionally, letting the assembled lasagna sit for about 15 minutes before serving allows it to set, helping to maintain its structure.
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).