"Hearty" Lasagna
Hearty lasagna layered with rich beef sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with robust flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can Italian tomatoes with liquid, cut up ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 carrots, halved ⓘ
- 2 celery ribs, halved ⓘ
- 12 oz. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) carton Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. (8 oz.) shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in olive oil until the meat is browned and the onion is tender; drain excess fat.
- Stir in Italian tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture.
- Add carrots and celery to the sauce.
- Simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water.
- Remove and discard the cooked carrots and celery from the sauce.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine while simmering the sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked lasagna noodles to skip the boiling step. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance the dish, so feel free to sprinkle some on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light Italian dressing on the salad complements the rich flavors of the lasagna beautifully. For a comforting twist, consider pairing it with Italian Meatball Sandwich Casserole for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Hearty" Lasagna contains roughly 1235 calories, with 29g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (199% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (163% of the Daily Value), and calcium (124% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1439mg per serving (63% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute, blending it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk can work in a pinch. Each option will provide a different flavor profile but will still yield a delicious lasagna.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, be sure to drain excess liquid from the canned tomatoes and use less tomato sauce if necessary. Additionally, letting your assembled lasagna sit for about 15 minutes after baking will help it set and reduce moisture. Always ensure your noodles are well-drained before layering.
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).