Mama Mcquaid'S Lasagna
Mama Mcquaid's Lasagna features rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and cheesy layers, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with bold flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely dice 1 onion and 1 clove garlic.
- Saute onion, garlic, and parsley in olive oil until fragrant.
- Add whole tomatoes, tomato paste, bay leaves, salt, and ground beef to the pan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While sauce simmers, cook lasagna noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare béchamel sauce: melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, cook for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
- Remove bay leaves from the meat sauce.
- In a bowl, beat egg yolks and mix with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, béchamel, and Parmesan mixture in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as needed, finishing with a layer of béchamel and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Mama Mcquaid's Lasagna, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swapping out the ground beef for Italian sausage for a different taste. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made marinara sauce instead of making the tomato sauce from scratch. Additionally, using no-boil lasagna noodles can save you time on cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama Mcquaid's Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes such as Baked Spaghetti Pie or Sandy's Manicotti. A glass of red wine, like Chianti, complements the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama Mcquaid'S Lasagna contains roughly 875 calories, with 33g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 50g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (190% of the Daily Value), protein (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1175mg per serving (51% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it heats through properly.
Can I freeze Mama Mcquaid's Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese on hand, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, offering a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you could use a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for a different twist, though it will change the overall taste of the dish.
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).