Lasagna By Mike Hoover
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
- 15 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 cans whole tomatoes, peeled ⓘ
- 1 pkg. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. dry parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. basil leaf ⓘ
- 8 oz. fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground pork ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 c. water ⓘ
- 3 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3 lb. small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 4 bay leaves ⓘ
- 3 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 dash red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add ground pork and beef; brown the meat.
- Add tomato paste, whole peeled tomatoes, water, herbs, salt, and pepper; simmer covered for 1 to 2 hours.
- While sauce simmers, grate Parmesan cheese and chill in the refrigerator.
- Beat eggs and mix with cottage cheese; chill in the refrigerator.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain and cool.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Butter a 12 x 18-inch pan and spread enough sauce on the bottom.
- Layer noodles, mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Repeat layers until the pan is full.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake for 40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Let rest if not serving immediately. Refrigerate overnight if needed; reheat for about 90 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the pork and beef. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; use them if available. Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven. For added depth, try incorporating ingredients from Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a simple side salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf also pairs beautifully with this dish. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This lasagna is perfect for gatherings and can easily be made a day ahead.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 minutes, ensuring it's heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna By Mike Hoover contains roughly 1251 calories, with 21g protein, 113g carbohydrates, and 94g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (164% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (151% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 46g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 lasagna a day in advance. Assemble the layers and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate overnight, then bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Alternatively, a blend of crème fraîche and shredded mozzarella can also work well and offer a unique twist.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian lasagna, simply omit the ground meat and replace it with a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and bell peppers. You can also add lentils or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
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).