Lisa Gabriel'S Lasagna
A hearty layered lasagna featuring rich meat, creamy cheeses, and flavorful tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests with a classic Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lasagna noodles ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground pork
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 3 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 3 to 4 (20 oz.) jars spaghetti sauce ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. Mozzarella, shredded ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions, then drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy pot.
- Brown the ground beef and pork with chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring often.
- Grate the Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses; set aside.
- Line a 4-inch deep baking pan with a layer of cooked noodles.
- Layer over noodles: generous amounts of Ricotta cheese, meat mixture, spaghetti sauce, Cheddar mixture, spaghetti sauce, and Cheddar mixture.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, leaving sauce off the top layer.
- Top with a generous layer of grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until cheese melts and browns lightly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano and basil to the meat mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef and pork. You can also use low-fat cheeses to reduce calories. Make sure to let the lasagna sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors perfectly. For a twist, try pairing it with My Favorite Lasagne Recipe for a fun lasagna night. Don't forget to sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with 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 for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lisa Gabriel'S Lasagna contains roughly 657 calories, with 30g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (60% of the Daily Value) and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 568mg per serving (25% 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
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagna, make sure to drain excess liquid from the spaghetti sauce and let the cooked noodles cool slightly before layering. Using thicker sauces, like Very Tasty Spaghetti Sauce, can also help maintain a firmer consistency.
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).