Lasagna D'Italia
Rich and hearty lasagna layered with flavorful meat sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and special occasions craving Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground meat ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 can mushroom slices
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary
- 1/2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced parsley
- 1/2 tsp. crushed mint leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 12 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 2 eggs, beaten ⓘ
- 1 pt. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water for about 15 minutes; drain and spread on an oiled cookie sheet, layering with wax paper and oil; set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté minced garlic and chopped onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned; season with salt, pepper, rosemary, basil, parsley, mint, oregano, thyme, and marjoram.
- Stir in mushroom slices, tomato paste, and hot water; simmer for 20-30 minutes to develop flavors.
- In a mixing bowl, beat eggs and combine with cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the lasagna by layering noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and sliced mozzarella in a baking dish, repeating layers as needed.
- Finish with a layer of noodles topped with meat sauce and mozzarella slices.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to set.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or a mix of both. If you want a vegetarian version, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or lentils. Ensure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick to the meat sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna D'Italia is best served with a fresh side salad and slices of Parmesan-Herb Bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A glass of Chianti or a light Italian white wine pairs wonderfully, enhancing the flavors of your meal. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving it alongside Stuffed Peppers Italiano.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna D'Italia contains roughly 768 calories, with 33g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (144% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1282mg per serving (56% 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 this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. If prepared ahead, just allow extra time for baking since it will be cold from the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a different texture or flavor, you can use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier filling. Alternatively, mascarpone can add a rich, luxurious texture. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of Parmesan.
How do I know when the lasagna is done baking?
The lasagna is done when the top is bubbly and golden brown, typically after 30-40 minutes of baking. You can also insert a knife in the center; if it comes out hot and the layers are set, it's ready to enjoy. Letting it rest for 10 minutes also helps with serving.
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).