Lasagna Romano
Creamy cottage cheese layered with savory tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a hearty, comforting lasagna perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set out cottage cheese; drain and let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain well and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add tomato sauce or tomatoes, water, sauce mix, salt, and pepper; simmer briefly.
- Layer sauce over meat in a baking dish.
- Spread a thin layer of cottage cheese over the sauce.
- Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles.
- Repeat layering with remaining sauce, cottage cheese, and noodles.
- Sprinkle grated Romano or Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for 20 minutes or until bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. If you want to lighten the dish, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. To save time, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which eliminate the need for pre-cooking. Check out Kathy Palliser'S Microwave Easy Lasagna for a quick alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color. This lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Italian Hunter'S Stew. A glass of red wine can complement the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 30-second increments until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Romano contains roughly 532 calories, with 37g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (73% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and iron (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1806mg per serving (79% 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 prepare lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it. Just allow extra time for baking if it's coming straight from the fridge, about 10-15 minutes more.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese in equal amounts for a richer flavor. If you're looking for a lower-calorie option, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of salt for a similar texture.
Can I freeze lasagna after baking?
Absolutely! Allow the baked lasagna to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).