Lasagna Baked By Mom
A hearty baked lasagna layered with savory meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese filling, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef slowly in a skillet; spoon off excess fat.
- Add minced garlic, whole basil, salt, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles in large boiling salted water until tender, then drain and rinse.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper.
- Place half the cooked noodles in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Spread half the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Add half the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cheese mixture, meat sauce.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for approximately 30 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or substituting some of the ground beef with Italian sausage. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step. You can also replace cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture, or try adding spinach for extra nutrition. This recipe pairs beautifully with My Mother's Spaghetti Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad and garlic bread to complete the meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the dish perfectly. For a twist, consider serving with Pasta E Ceci for a delightful Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, checking for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Baked By Mom contains roughly 444 calories, with 31g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (139% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 646mg per serving (28% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated all the way through.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this lasagna, you can replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also add layers of spinach or use a meat substitute. Just ensure your sauce and cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do if my lasagna is too watery?
If your lasagna turns out too watery, the culprit is often excess liquid from the tomatoes. To avoid this, drain the canned tomatoes well and use less sauce. Additionally, letting the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps it set, making it easier to serve without excess liquid.
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).