Joe'S Lasagna(With Just A Touch Of Irish; Used At John'S River)
Joe's Lasagna features hearty ground beef, fresh spinach, and melted mozzarella layered between tender noodles, offering a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef or veal ⓘ
- 1/4 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 3 c. tomato sauce
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- freshly ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped mushrooms or 1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well drained ⓘ
- 8 oz. low-fat cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 oz. skimmed milk mozzarella grated cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- In a medium-sized nonstick 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.
- Add tomato sauce, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder or minced garlic, black pepper, and mushrooms to the ground meat mixture.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Combine well-drained chopped spinach with cottage cheese.
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until tender and drain.
- Lightly oil an 8 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange half of the cooked noodles in the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a layer of the spinach mixture over the noodles.
- Add a layer of the meat mixture on top of the spinach.
- Sprinkle some grated mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, spinach mixture, meat mixture, and cheese, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and veal. If you're short on time, you can substitute fresh mushrooms with a can of mushrooms. To enhance the dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or incorporating some grated Parmesan cheese between the layers. This recipe is reminiscent of classic Italian recipes, making it a great option for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Joe's Lasagna with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple antipasto platter can also complement the dish beautifully. For an Italian-inspired dinner, pair it with a glass of red wine to enhance the flavors. This recipe serves 8 to 10, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 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 Joe'S Lasagna(With Just A Touch Of Irish; Used At John'S River) contains roughly 580 calories, with 28g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (177% of the Daily Value), and calcium (114% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Simply assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
Can I use different cheeses in this lasagna?
Absolutely! While skimmed milk mozzarella and cottage cheese work well, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like ricotta, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses for added flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the texture and taste slightly.
Is it possible to make this lasagna gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this lasagna gluten-free by substituting regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties available in stores. Just check the cooking instructions on the package, as they may differ from traditional noodles. This way, you can still enjoy a comforting lasagna without gluten.
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).