Linda'S Lasagna
Linda's Lasagna features layers of rich meat sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses, delivering a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef or turkey ⓘ
- 2 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. rosemary or basil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. parsley, minced ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. hot water ⓘ
- 1 pint Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded ⓘ
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles in salted water for about 15 minutes, then drain.
- Heat oil in a skillet and cook garlic and onion until soft.
- Add ground beef or turkey and seasonings; cook until crumbly.
- Stir in tomato paste and hot water; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce.
- Add half of the cooked noodles over the sauce.
- Spread all of the Ricotta cheese over the noodles.
- Layer half of the remaining meat sauce on top.
- Add the remaining noodles, then the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting ground turkey with Italian sausage to enhance the flavor. You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the process. To make it lighter, use low-fat cheeses or a mix of ricotta and cottage cheese instead.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Linda's Lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top will add a nice touch. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Lasagna Recipe for a pasta night. Consider a light dessert, like sorbet or fruit, to finish the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, for 2-3 minutes. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Linda'S Lasagna contains roughly 860 calories, with 43g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (141% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1679mg 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 make this lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the lasagna up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to mix and match cheeses. For example, you can substitute part of the Mozzarella with Gouda or add some Feta for a unique flavor. Just ensure the overall cheese quantity remains similar for proper texture.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the meat with a mix of mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite vegetables. You can also add extra cheese and adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor. This makes for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
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).