Kathy'S Lasagna
Kathy's Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful Italian dish featuring layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its savory tomato and herb flavors make it a comforting classic everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. basil ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) pkg. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) carton cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, chopped parsley, basil, salt, tomatoes, and tomato paste to the beef.
- Simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Rinse the noodles in cold water to stop cooking.
- In a bowl, combine the beaten egg, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and Parmesan cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, cottage cheese mixture, beef sauce, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers as needed.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian sausage to the ground beef. You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if preferred. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; use fresh basil and parsley instead of dried. If you want a lighter dish, try whole wheat lasagna noodles. For added texture, layer in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your lasagna with a side salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is a classic pairing that complements the dish beautifully. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Fagioli. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti, can enhance the flavors wonderfully.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly warmed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kathy'S Lasagna contains roughly 295 calories, with 15g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (32% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1070mg per serving (47% 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 prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the layers, cover with foil, and refrigerate. Bake it right before serving, allowing an extra 10-15 minutes in the oven if it's cold from the fridge. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, similar to how they do in Karen'S Lasagna.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna without baking it, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This method allows for easy meal prep and can save time on busy nights.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian version, use cooked lentils or mushrooms as a meat alternative. These substitutions can create a delicious and nutritious lasagna while still maintaining the essence of Italian recipes.
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).