J. R.'S Lasagna
A hearty and cheesy lasagna packed with pepperoni, ground beef, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz.) pkg. pepperoni slices ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 (29 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 c. Ricotta or cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs, well beaten ⓘ
- 2 pkg. sliced Mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown pepperoni slices and ground beef slowly, then drain excess fat.
- Add crushed garlic, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the skillet.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or substituting half of the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter texture. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can save you some cooking. For a vegetarian version, replace meat with sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, similar to what you might find in Brenda'S Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Serve J. R.'S Lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top just before serving adds a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a light red wine or a refreshing sparkling water to balance the richness. For more hearty options, consider serving alongside Beef Rigatoni Bake for a filling Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of J. R.'S Lasagna contains roughly 588 calories, with 26g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (72% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1458mg 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 this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly. Just bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
Can I freeze J. R.'S Lasagna?
Yes, this lasagna freezes well. After assembling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or cook from frozen, adding additional time to the baking process.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a mix of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, which will still provide a hearty texture and flavor.
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).