Lasagna With Meat Sauce
A hearty lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 pkg. onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce (small) ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles
- 2 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- cheese ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste (6 oz.) ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 lb. creamed cottage cheese (large curd) ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. Mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in olive oil in a skillet.
- Stir in onion soup mix, water, tomato paste, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and place in cold water.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate oven).
- Spread 2 tablespoons of meat sauce in the bottom of a 12 x 8-inch baking pan.
- Layer lasagna noodles lengthwise over the sauce.
- Add a layer of mozzarella cheese, followed by a layer of creamed cottage cheese.
- Spread meat sauce and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the layers.
- Repeat the layering process ending with sauce and Parmesan on top.
- Bake in the oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian sausage to the ground beef. You can substitute ricotta cheese for the creamed cottage cheese if preferred. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles. To enhance the sauce, add a splash of red wine or a tablespoon of sugar to balance acidity. For more delicious variations, explore other Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light Italian dressing pairs well with the rich flavors of the lasagna. For a hearty addition, consider serving with steamed vegetables or a glass of red wine. This dish also pairs beautifully with Lois' Spaghetti Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna With Meat Sauce contains roughly 637 calories, with 11g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value) and protein (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1194mg per serving (52% 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. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until ready to bake. If you prepare it ahead, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as usual.
What can I add to the meat sauce for extra flavor?
You can enhance the meat sauce by adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also brighten the sauce. For a twist, try incorporating some of your favorite spices from beef recipes.
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).