Lasagna
Lasagna is a classic Italian dish featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles. It boasts a comforting blend of flavors from Italian sausage, ground beef, and aromatic vegetables, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground round ⓘ
- 1/2 large onion ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. celery ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 jar Ragu ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 pkg. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Simmer beef and sausage until brown.
- Drain all fat.
- Simmer onion, pepper, and celery until tender.
- Add the vegetable mixture to the beef mixture.
- Add oregano, salt, pepper, garlic, tomatoes, tomato paste, and Ragu sauce.
- Simmer while cooking noodles.
- Layer sauce, noodles, Mozzarella, Ricotta, and sauce.
- Repeat to make 3 layers.
- Bake at 375° for 35 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh herbs like basil and thyme in place of dried oregano. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, and if you're looking for a vegetarian option, try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead of meat. Using no-boil noodles can save time and make layering easier.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian Pinwheels as an appetizer. For a fun twist, serve along with a side of Spinach Cheese Bake for a comforting Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna contains roughly 462 calories, with 32g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (128% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1371mg per serving (60% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld nicely and makes for a convenient meal option.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream. Both alternatives will provide a creamy texture similar to ricotta and work well in the lasagna.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. You can also insert a knife into the center; if it goes in easily and feels hot, your lasagna is ready to come out of the oven.
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).