Lasagna Like
A hearty layered casserole featuring seasoned ground meat, creamy cheese mixture, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles until al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking up lumps as it cooks.
- Add tomato sauce to the meat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, grated Cheddar cheese, sour cream, minced scallions, and minced green pepper to make the cheese mixture.
- In a casserole dish, layer cooked noodles and the cheese mixture.
- Pour the meat sauce over the layered noodles and cheese mixture.
- Pour melted butter over the top of the casserole.
- Chill the casserole for at least 1 hour.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the meat sauce. You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even a plant-based protein for a healthier option. If you're short on time, no-boil noodles work well, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. This recipe is reminiscent of Miss Mae'S Lasagna, making it a comforting choice for family gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette and garlic bread on the side. For a heartier meal, serve with steamed vegetables or a classic Italian meat sauce for pasta. You can also enjoy it alongside other Italian recipes for a complete themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers 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 20-30 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Like contains roughly 678 calories, with 18g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 461mg per serving (20% 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 prepare the lasagna up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked lasagna before baking it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also be used, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
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).