Lasagna Shortcut Style
A hearty, cheesy lasagna shortcut with rich tomato flavors and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, combining classic Italian tastes with easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2 1/2) can (3 1/2 cups) tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (8 oz) cans seasoned tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 or 2 envelopes spaghetti sauce mix (Spatini) ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic minced ⓘ
- 8 oz lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 (6 or 8 oz) package thin sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef slowly in a skillet, spoon off excess fat.
- Add tomatoes, seasoned tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce mix, and minced garlic to the meat. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Salt to taste.
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water until tender. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Place half of the cooked noodles in an 11 1/2 x 7 1/2 x 1 1/2-inch baking dish.
- Cover with one-third of the sauce, then add half of the sliced mozzarella cheese, followed by half of the cottage cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and cottage cheese.
- Finish with a layer of sauce and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the sauce. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and use whole wheat lasagna noodles. You can also swap the cottage cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture. This recipe is a great shortcut compared to traditional lasagna, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the savory flavors. For a fun variation, consider serving with a side of 'Macaroni Soup' for a comforting twist. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Shortcut Style contains roughly 562 calories, with 35g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (69% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1006mg per serving (44% 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?
You can also freeze the assembled, uncooked lasagna. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
Alternatively, for a lower-fat option, part-skim mozzarella works well.
Can I add vegetables to this lasagna?
Layering in roasted vegetables also adds a delicious twist on this classic dish.
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).