Karen'S Lasagna
Karen's Lasagna offers a hearty, cheesy dish layered with flavorful meat sauce and creamy cheeses. Its rich tomato-based sauce complements the melty mozzarella and Parmesan, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings that call for comfort food with authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) cooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F.
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over moderate heat. Add ground beef, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain off any fat from the skillet.
- Add whole tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, dried basil leaves, and pepper to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, in a medium-sized bowl, mix cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, and remaining chopped parsley with a fork until well combined.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and grated mozzarella cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, finishing with a layer of mozzarella on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought marinara sauce instead of making your own. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella. This lasagna recipe is versatile; feel free to add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Karen's Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing its flavors. You could also offer a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Caesar salad to round out the dinner. For a delightful variation, browse more Italian recipes to get inspired.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes on high, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Karen'S Lasagna contains roughly 946 calories, with 21g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (65% of the Daily Value), protein (43% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1819mg per serving (79% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge. This way, the flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. This keeps the dish hearty while accommodating different dietary preferences.
What is the best way to prevent lasagna from being watery?
To prevent watery lasagna, be sure to drain the tomatoes well and cook the sauce until it thickens. Additionally, you can use less cottage cheese or let it drain in a colander before mixing it in. Using cooked lasagna noodles also helps absorb excess moisture.
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).