Make Ahead Cheeseburger Lasagna
Creamy cheeseburger lasagna combines the flavors of a classic burger with the comfort of lasagna. Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheesy ricotta, and shredded cheeses make it a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Make ahead for easy entertaining and delicious leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. instant onion ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 1/2 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. Cheddar and American cheese blend, shredded ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked ⓘ
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1 c. lettuce, shredded ⓘ
- 1 medium tomato, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 9x13 inch glass baking dish with cooking spray.
- Cook ground beef and chopped onion until fully browned and cooked through.
- Add tomato sauce, water, ketchup, and prepared mustard to the beef mixture. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 2 cups of shredded Cheddar and American cheese blend, and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Layer the cooked beef mixture, uncooked lasagna noodles, and cheese mixture in the prepared dish, repeating layers as needed.
- Top with remaining shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. If you don't have ricotta, cottage cheese can work in a pinch, blended until smooth. Consider adding some garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the meat mixture for extra flavor. Feel free to customize by adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers between the layers. This dish can be assembled a day ahead for easy meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheeseburger lasagna with a simple side salad for freshness. It pairs beautifully with shredded lettuce and sliced tomato on top, adding a nice crunch. Consider offering garlic bread or a side of American recipes like Chipped Beef On Toast for a hearty meal. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil to retain moisture and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions; just ensure they are heated completely to avoid cold spots.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make Ahead Cheeseburger Lasagna contains roughly 443 calories, with 23g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 644mg per serving (28% 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 use no-boil lasagna noodles instead?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles. Just layer them as directed, ensuring that there is enough moisture in the sauce to cook them properly during baking. You may need to increase the baking time slightly if the noodles don’t soften as expected.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You could also add some black beans or lentils for protein. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavors of the vegetables.
What can I do if my lasagna is too watery?
If your lasagna turns out watery, try letting it sit for a few extra minutes after baking. This allows some moisture to evaporate. You can also reduce the amount of added water in the sauce or use less tomato sauce to achieve a thicker 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).