Lazy Day Lasagna(Make Recipe As Is)
Lazy Day Lasagna combines ground meat, vegetables, and pasta in a hearty, cheesy dish perfect for busy days or family dinners, with rich tomato flavors and melty mozzarella.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat or turkey ⓘ
- 1 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- Italian spice to taste ⓘ
- 1 (29 oz) can tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 6 oz uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz part skim mozzarella cheese, grated or sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion in a skillet.
- Add seasoned salt, sugar, pepper, Italian spice, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Layer uncooked lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Add remaining sauce on top, ensuring noodles are covered by sauce.
- Sprinkle grated or sliced mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier version, consider using a mixture of ground meat and turkey. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can be substituted for uncooked ones, allowing for quicker assembly. Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Adjust the Italian spice according to your preference for a more personalized flavor. This dish is a great way to explore Italian recipes on a busy day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lazy Day Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of red wine for a delightful dining experience. It also goes well with Italian Style Cheese Cake for dessert. For a lighter option, consider a side of steamed vegetables or a light soup to complement the richness of the lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions until hot, but be cautious to not overcook the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Lasagna(Make Recipe As Is) contains roughly 365 calories, with 37g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (103% of the Daily Value), protein (75% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1218mg per serving (53% 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 Lazy Day Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Simply assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through properly.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, you can use provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses. For a lower-fat option, try low-fat mozzarella or cottage cheese. Adjust the quantities as needed to achieve the desired cheesiness.
Can I freeze Lazy Day Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled but unbaked lasagna for up to three months. To bake from frozen, add an extra 30-45 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively, you can freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick meal later.
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).