Lasagne With Meat Sauce
Hearty lasagne layered with savory meat sauce, melted mozzarella, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings with rich Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Italian sausages, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb ground chuck
- 1 (2 lb 3 oz) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp basil ⓘ
- 2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 package lasagne noodles
- 1 small container cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) package Mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
- 3 oz Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic in vegetable oil until fragrant.
- Add chopped Italian sausages and ground chuck; cook until browned.
- Stir in canned tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer to develop flavors.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and grated mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with a layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce as it simmers. If you're short on time, you can substitute the ground chuck with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. Experiment with different cheeses; ricotta can be used in place of cottage cheese for a creamier texture. Also, ensure the noodles are cooked just al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagne pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar complements the richness of the dish. For a comforting touch, serve it with a glass of red wine. You might also explore other Italian recipes that feature layers, like Eggplant And Noodle Casserole, for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes on high, checking for doneness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne With Meat Sauce contains roughly 315 calories, with 11g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (43% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1685mg per serving (73% 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 freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze lasagne for up to three months. Make sure it’s cooled completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven or microwave.
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).