Lasagna (Delicious!)
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 large can peeled tomatoes (about 3 1/2 cups)
- 12 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 20 oz. cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat slowly in a skillet; spoon off excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, sausage, parsley flakes, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, sugar, peeled tomatoes, and tomato paste to the meat. Simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling, salted water for about 15 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten eggs, salt, pepper, parsley flakes, and Parmesan cheese.
- In a 13x9x2 inch pan, place a small amount of meat sauce at the bottom.
- Layer 4 noodles over the meat sauce.
- Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Add half of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, meat sauce.
- Bake in a moderate oven at 350°-375°F for about 45-50 minutes.
- Let stand for about 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a creamier texture. If you like more vegetables, add spinach or mushrooms to the meat sauce. For a spicier kick, use Hot Italian Sausage And Spinach Pie sausage. Ensure the noodles are not overcooked, as they will soften further during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve lasagna with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Caesar salad or roasted vegetables can complement the rich flavors well. For a delightful pairing, enjoy with a glass of red wine. This dish also makes a great option for potlucks or family gatherings, where it can be a standout among Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna (Delicious!) contains roughly 396 calories, with 41g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (81% of the Daily Value), iron (70% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value). At about 396 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just assemble all layers and cover tightly with foil. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled but unbaked lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking for the best results.
What can I serve with lasagna?
Lasagna pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Offer a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is a classic choice that complements the dish well. Additionally, consider serving roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious addition to your meal.
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).