Homey'S No Fuss Beef And Spinach Lasagna
A hearty, flavorful lasagna layered with savory beef, spinach, and cheeses, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 (26 to 30 oz.) jar spaghetti sauce
- 2 (14 1/2 oz.) cans diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) carton part skim Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, fully thawed ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 10 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Season beef with salt, then stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, and red pepper.
- Set beef mixture aside.
- In a bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, thawed spinach, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg.
- Spread 2 cups of beef sauce evenly over the bottom of a 13x9-inch or larger baking dish.
- Arrange 4 lasagna noodles lengthwise in a single layer over the sauce.
- Press noodles into the sauce gently.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Top with 1 1/2 cups of beef sauce, ensuring all noodles are covered.
- Layer additional noodles, cheese mixture, and beef sauce as desired.
- Cover the assembled lasagna with foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Vena'S Spaghetti Sauce as the base. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles work well and eliminate the need for pre-cooking. Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for extra nutrition, and adjust the red pepper to your desired spice level.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine enhances the flavors and makes for a lovely dining experience. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a side of roasted asparagus. Consider enjoying it alongside other Italian recipes to create a themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring they are heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homey'S No Fuss Beef And Spinach Lasagna contains roughly 497 calories, with 24g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (49% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1530mg per serving (67% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. To freeze, assemble it without baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding a bit more time if needed.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute for a similar texture. Blending it slightly can create a smoother consistency. Alternatively, you can use cream cheese mixed with a bit of milk to achieve a creamy filling.
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).