Launee'S Lasagne
A hearty and flavorful lasagne featuring rich meat sauce, melted cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for satisfying family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound ground round ⓘ
- 2 cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 cup tomato juice or puree ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz) can mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup meat stock or bouillon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon rosemary ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 1 large bay leaf ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 cup Jack cheese, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese or mozzarella ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute meat, onion, and garlic in oil until meat is browned and onions are translucent.
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, tomato juice or puree, mushrooms, meat stock or bouillon, basil, rosemary, oregano, bay leaf, and salt. Simmer until sauce is thickened.
- Cook lasagne noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Mix the cheeses together in a bowl.
- Layer noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses in an oblong baking dish, starting with a layer of noodles.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added nutrition. Fresh herbs can elevate the taste, so feel free to replace dried basil, rosemary, and oregano with fresh ones. Experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Launee's Lasagne with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread pairs wonderfully as well. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside Italian Polenta(4 To 8 Servings) or a side of roasted vegetables. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and can be made ahead for convenience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Launee'S Lasagne contains roughly 772 calories, with 24g protein, 121g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (181% of the Daily Value), and calcium (126% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1677mg 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 prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! Once assembled, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 60-75 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the top.
What can I substitute for the cheeses?
If you want a different cheese profile, you can replace Jack cheese with cheddar or gouda, and mozzarella can be exchanged for provolone. Cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta for a creamier texture. Just ensure that the total amount of cheese remains roughly the same for best results.
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).