Italian Style Lasagne
A hearty Italian lasagne layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large cooking pot, place browned ground beef and onions.
- Add tomato puree, tomato sauce, and canned tomatoes.
- Mix well and add garlic powder, oregano, basil, bay leaves, and parsley flakes.
- Simmer the sauce for 2.5 hours.
- Mix Ricotta cheese, small curd cottage cheese, grated Romano, and grated mozzarella cheese.
- Add the beaten egg to the cheese mixture and mix well.
- Layer the lasagne starting with sauce, then noodles, then cheese mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with sauce on top.
- Sprinkle the top sauce layer generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and dot with mozzarella.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 3 hours.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute part of the Ricotta cheese with small curd cottage cheese. Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce can enhance its depth. Ensure you let the lasagne rest before serving for easier slicing. For a quicker meal, try using no-boil lasagna noodles.
Serving Suggestions
This Italian Style Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or a light soup can also complement the dish. For a festive touch, serve with a glass of red wine. Explore more Italian recipes for a delightful dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Italian Style Lasagne contains roughly 466 calories, with 16g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 559mg per serving (24% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even tastier when served.
What can I use as a substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times accordingly for the meat or vegetables you choose.
How do I prevent the lasagne from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagne, be sure to drain excess liquid from the canned tomatoes before adding them to the sauce. You can also use less tomato puree or paste if your tomatoes are very juicy. Additionally, letting the lasagne rest after baking helps the layers set properly.
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).