Lasagna With Raw Noodles
A hearty layered lasagna with rich tomato sauce, melted cheeses, and savory ground beef, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 medium onion ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. basil flakes
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. garlic salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large package lasagna noodles
- 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. cottage cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and chop the onion; mix all ingredients except the last five cheeses and egg together.
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes until the sauce is thin.
- Combine the mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, egg, and cottage cheese in a bowl.
- Spread a layer of sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Top with more sauce, then the cottage cheese mixture.
- Add a layer of dry cheeses (mozzarella and cheddar), then repeat layering as desired.
- Finish with a top layer of mozzarella cheese mixture.
- Cover and refrigerate the assembled lasagna for 12 to 24 hours before baking.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Uncover the lasagna during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your lasagna, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the meat sauce. If you prefer a lighter option, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or lentils. Remember, the noodles are raw, so ensure the sauce is sufficiently thin to cook them properly. For a twist, try incorporating layers of sautéed vegetables, similar to what you might find in Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving can add an extra layer of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Beef-Stuffed Shells for a hearty Italian feast. For a more casual gathering, consider serving it alongside Pasta And Bean Soup(Pasta E Fagioli) for a comforting touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes. For quicker reheating, individual slices can be microwaved on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they remain moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna With Raw Noodles contains roughly 394 calories, with 18g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (121% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and calcium (89% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1273mg per serving (55% 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 whole wheat lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Whole wheat lasagna noodles are a great alternative and will add extra fiber to the dish. Just be mindful that they may need slightly longer to cook, so check the package instructions for best results.
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).