Jeff'S Favorite Lasagna(Student Favorite)
Jeff's Favorite Lasagna features layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese filling, and melted mozzarella, making it a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. mild sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. whole basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 to 10 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 c. creamy cottage cheese
- 1/2 c. grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and ground beef in a skillet; spoon off excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, whole basil, salt, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste; simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles as directed on the box.
- Combine cottage cheese, Romano cheese, parsley flakes, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In a 13x9-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked noodles, half of the cottage cheese mixture, half of the meat sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake at 375°F until hot and bubbly, about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can substitute part-skim ricotta for the cottage cheese. Additionally, feel free to use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. For those who prefer a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the sauce nicely.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the Italian flavors. For a comforting twist, try serving it alongside Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for a few minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through. If you freeze the lasagna, wrap it tightly and consume within 2 months for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jeff'S Favorite Lasagna(Student Favorite) contains roughly 738 calories, with 43g protein, 115g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% 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, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you want to freeze it, just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
What can I substitute for the cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture, ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese. For a lighter option, you can also use a blend of Greek yogurt and ricotta, which will add creaminess without too many calories.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Yes! Feel free to incorporate spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms into the layers for added nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to sauté them beforehand to reduce moisture, which can make the lasagna watery.
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).