Lasagna Specialty
A hearty layered lasagna featuring beef, tomato sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comfort food with rich flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 cups grated Mozzarella cheese
- 1 can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp basil leaves
- 1/8 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 egg beaten ⓘ
- 8 lasagna noodles cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 cup taco sauce
- 1 1/2 Tbsp mustard ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and drain hamburger.
- Add spices, water, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, beaten egg, and mushrooms to the hamburger.
- Cook the mixture for 20 minutes.
- Fold in cottage cheese (if using).
- Layer in a 9 x 13-inch pan: 4 cooked lasagna noodles, half of the sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until all cheese melts and starts to turn golden, approximately 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of hamburger. You can also substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you prefer a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Ensure your noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy when baked. This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the dish beautifully. For a cozy family dinner, pair it with garlic bread and a glass of red wine. This dish also makes for hearty Lasagna Sandwiches the next day, layering leftovers between toasted bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, though baking yields better results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna Specialty contains roughly 522 calories, with 24g protein, 92g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), calcium (105% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1361mg per serving (59% 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 no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used in this recipe. Just ensure you add a bit more sauce or water to prevent them from drying out during baking, as they need moisture to soften properly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply replace the hamburger with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. You can also add lentils or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or even a blend of grated Asiago and nutritional yeast for a similar flavor profile. Feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!
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).