Lasagna Milanese
Layers of wide noodles, seasoned meat, spinach, and cheeses create a hearty, flavorful lasagna with Italian herbs, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. wide noodles ⓘ
- frozen chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp salad oil or olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 oz. can mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 oz. can tomato paste ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- sharp Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain the wide noodles.
- Thaw and drain the frozen chopped spinach.
- In a medium frying pan, brown the chopped onion and minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in the mushrooms (including liquid), tomato paste, crumbled bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt, and oregano.
- Simmer the meat mixture for 15 minutes.
- Beat 2 eggs in a bowl; pour over the rinsed noodles and mix well.
- Add the second beaten egg, spinach, 1 tablespoon oil, chopped parsley, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, and basil. Mix well.
- Pour half of the tomato meat mixture into a greased oblong shallow dish.
- Layer half of the noodles on top of the sauce.
- Spread the spinach and cheese mixture over the noodles.
- Repeat with remaining noodles and top with the rest of the tomato mixture. Cover.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven, arrange strips of cheese on top, and bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture while it simmers. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience, which saves time in cooking. Fresh spinach can replace frozen; just sauté it until wilted before adding to the cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a simple green salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the tomato sauce. For a comforting option, consider serving alongside Quick Italian Soup for a heartwarming dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Milanese contains roughly 618 calories, with 22g protein, 97g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), calcium (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 669mg per serving (29% 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for cottage cheese and Parmesan, you can substitute ricotta for a creamier texture or use mozzarella for a gooey topping. Just ensure the cheese you choose complements the flavors of the dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to meld. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and bake it the next day; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding a mix of Italian herbs like thyme or rosemary for added depth. You could also toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. For a unique twist, try layering in some roasted vegetables or sautéed zucchini between the noodle layers.
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).