Leann'S Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles as directed, then drain and set aside.
- Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Add spaghetti sauce to the beef and onion mixture; heat thoroughly.
- Spread a small amount of meat mixture on the bottom of a rectangular casserole dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers as needed, ending with cheese on top.
- Place the assembled lasagna in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you're short on time, you can substitute homemade spaghetti sauce with store-bought options like Micro Spaghetti Sauce. To add more veggies, layer in spinach or mushrooms. Always allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Leann's Lasagna is perfect served with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, pair it with Betty's 'Love' Soup (Minestrone) for a comforting Italian feast. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parmesan cheese on top adds an extra touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat the entire dish in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leann'S Lasagna contains roughly 470 calories, with 38g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1082mg per serving (47% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Yes, Leann's Lasagna freezes well! After assembling, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add about 30-45 minutes to the baking time at 350°F, or thaw overnight in the fridge for quicker cooking.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative that pairs wonderfully with this recipe. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk to achieve a similar creamy texture. Just make sure to season it well for the best flavor.
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).