Joe'S Lasagna
Creamy, hearty lasagna layered with seasoned meat, spinach, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings with rich tomato flavors and tender noodles.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or veal or turkey ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 3 cups tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped mushrooms or 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. skim milk mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium non-stick skillet, sauté ground meat and minced onion until the onion is tender and the meat is browned.
- Do not add fat or oil to the skillet, except when using ground turkey.
- Add tomato sauce, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder or minced garlic, pepper, and mushrooms to the meat mixture. Combine well.
- Mix the well-drained thawed spinach with cottage cheese.
- Cook the noodles in boiling water until tender, then drain.
- Lightly oil an 8 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the cooked noodles in the dish as the first layer.
- Spread a layer of the spinach and cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of the meat sauce and sprinkle some grated mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, ending with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground veal or turkey instead of beef. If you want a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with extra mushrooms or lentils. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like ricotta or a blend of Italian cheeses. If using fresh spinach, sauté it briefly before mixing with the cottage cheese to enhance its flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Joe's Lasagna with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Bow Tie Italian Casserole or a simple vegetable medley. For a festive touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joe'S Lasagna contains roughly 627 calories, with 41g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 935mg per serving (41% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through.
What type of noodles should I use?
You can use traditional lasagna noodles, or opt for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to suit your dietary needs. If you prefer a lighter dish, consider using zucchini slices as a noodle substitute for a low-carb alternative.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking or freeze leftovers after cooking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
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).