Lori'S Lasagna
Lori's Lasagna features layers of rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners or special occasions with comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, minced onions, Italian seasoning, sugar, ground oregano, sliced mushrooms, browned hamburger or sausage, and bay leaf. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Layer noodles in a large flat casserole dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta or dry curd cottage cheese over the noodles.
- Spoon some of the prepared sauce over the cheese layer.
- Layer more noodles crosswise over the sauce.
- Spoon more sauce over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with one-third of the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process twice more, alternating the direction of noodles each time.
- Top the final layer with Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella and sauce.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through and cheese is bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute ground turkey for the hamburger or sausage for a lighter option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, use a mix of sautéed vegetables like zucchini and spinach instead of meat. Feel free to experiment with cheeses; adding ricotta or dry curd cottage cheese enhances creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Lori's Lasagna with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For an Italian-inspired dinner, complement it with roasted vegetables or a side of Pasta Friatta for added flavor and variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. For individual portions, microwave on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lori'S Lasagna contains roughly 429 calories, with 13g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (76% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time, as it may take longer to cook when chilled. This is a great way to save time on busy days while still enjoying a delicious homemade meal.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagna noodles from sticking, make sure to stir them occasionally in boiling water. After draining, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and coat them lightly with olive oil. This will help keep the noodles separate and easy to layer in your lasagna.
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).