Lasagne Ludy
Creamy, savory lasagne layered with seasoned beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sweet basil ⓘ
- 1 can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 pkg. lasagne noodles (8 oz.) ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- dash of Tabasco sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 large (15 oz.) cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 can tomato paste ⓘ
- Provolone cheese, sliced round (1 pkg. per layer) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned.
- Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sweet basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire, wine vinegar, sugar, mushrooms, and a dash of Tabasco sauce.
- Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of meat sauce, then layer lasagne noodles, provolone slices, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a top layer of cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
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 pre-cooked lasagne noodles or substitute with a different type of pasta. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste, so feel free to use them if available.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a fresh garden salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the flavors of the dish, enhancing your dining experience. For a twist, consider serving it alongside a side of Baked Spaghetti Sauce for a comforting Italian feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the lasagne for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne Ludy contains roughly 431 calories, with 22g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and calcium (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% 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 this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne a day in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it according to the recipe instructions, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
For a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of sautéed vegetables. Tofu crumbles also work well as a meat alternative, absorbing the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
How do I ensure my lasagne doesn't become watery?
To prevent a watery lasagne, make sure to drain the cooked meat and vegetables well before adding them to the sauce. Additionally, you can use a thicker tomato sauce or reduce the sauce on the stovetop to evaporate excess moisture before layering it.
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).