Lasagna(Makes 3 Casseroles, 6 Servings Each)
A hearty layered lasagna combining savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped onion
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- 2 1/4 c. boiling water ⓘ
- 3 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 3 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 2 lb. creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 lb. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, crumble ground beef and cook until slightly browned.
- Add chopped onions and cook until tender.
- Drain off excess fat; stir in oregano, salt, garlic powder, parsley, boiling water, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend eggs with creamed cottage cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cheese mixture in casseroles.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles, which eliminate the need for pre-cooking. For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor if you have them on hand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple Caprese salad would also complement the dish beautifully. For a fun twist, pair this lasagna with Italian recipes like Meat Balls With Spaghetti to create a hearty Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow it to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagna(Makes 3 Casseroles, 6 Servings Each) contains roughly 474 calories, with 32g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (161% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and potassium (68% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake it, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a fantastic substitute that maintains the creamy texture. You can also use a blend of ricotta and Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings accordingly to maintain the flavor balance.
How do I make the lasagna vegetarian?
To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also add spinach or kale for added nutrients. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
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).