Jim Bennett'S Lasagne
Jim Bennett's Lasagne features rich, meaty layers combined with creamy cottage cheese and melted mozzarella, creating a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The savory tomato-based sauce and aromatic herbs make it a comforting classic that appeals to all pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 (12 oz) cartons cottage cheese
- 2 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp parsley ⓘ
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp basil ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 10 oz lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tsp pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck in a skillet.
- While the meat is browning, put the chopped onion, garlic cloves, chopped bell pepper, oregano, basil, garlic salt, salt, tomatoes, and tomato paste in a food processor.
- Process until well combined to make a sauce.
- Add the browned meat to the sauce and stir.
- Simmer uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and combine with cottage cheese and parsley.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option or use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Don’t forget to salt the water when cooking the noodles to enhance their flavor. This lasagne pairs beautifully with Easy Garlic Pasta for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors beautifully. For a twist, consider serving it alongside Sauteed Mushrooms With Pasta for a delightful side dish. This hearty lasagne also makes great leftovers for lunch the next day.
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 a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jim Bennett'S Lasagne contains roughly 724 calories, with 33g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (223% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 487mg per serving (21% 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 prepare the lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the cover and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes, as it may require a bit longer to heat through.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this lasagne, simply replace the ground chuck with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also add more cheese layers and incorporate your favorite marinara sauce for added flavor.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you don't have cottage cheese on hand or prefer a different flavor, ricotta cheese is an excellent substitute. You could also use a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a creamier texture, but adjust the seasoning to balance the flavors.
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).