Lasagne(Serve With French Bread)
Layers of savory meat sauce, creamy cottage cheese, and melted cheese create a hearty, comforting Italian classic perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 6 oz lean pork ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb) can stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons parsley flakes ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon basil leaves ⓘ
- 3 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook and stir ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic; drain excess fat.
- Add canned stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, parsley flakes, sugar, salt, and basil to the meat mixture.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 minutes.
- Save half of the sauce for topping the lasagne.
- Mix cottage cheese with the remaining half of the sauce.
- Use a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish, ensuring no greasing is needed.
- Layer noodles, meat sauce, mozzarella cheese, and cottage cheese mixture three times.
- Top with half of the remaining meat sauce and a quarter cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Let the assembled lasagne sit for 15 minutes before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. To save time, use no-cook lasagna noodles; they absorb moisture during baking. If you're short on time, try a simpler dish like Joe'S Favorite Spaghetti Sauce instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagne with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors beautifully. This dish pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes that feature rich tomato sauces, such as Michigan Lasagna, for a comforting dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lasagne(Serve With French Bread) contains roughly 607 calories, with 37g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), calcium (115% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 636mg per serving (28% 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 prepare lasagne in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just ensure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent drying out.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute with a similar flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I freeze lasagne?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled or baked lasagne. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
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).