Mama'S Super Easy Lasagna
Mama's Super Easy Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy Italian-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, rich spaghetti sauce, and a blend of Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers comforting flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing format.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef and drain well.
- Mix in 1 1/2 jars of spaghetti sauce and simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Save the remaining 1/2 jar of sauce for breadsticks or later use.
- Cook the lasagna noodles as directed on the package.
- Drain the noodles and cover with cold water until ready to use.
- Mix the shredded Cheddar and Mozzarella cheeses together in a large bowl.
- Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Layer the ingredients in the pan as follows: a thin layer of sauce to cover the bottom, drained noodles, cheese mixture, noodles, sauce, cheese mixture, and repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Let the lasagna stand for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat sauce. You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for beef. If you want to make this dish even easier, try using no-boil lasagna noodles instead. For added creaminess, mix in ricotta cheese with the Cheddar and Mozzarella. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover sauce from Nana'S Meatballs.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. For a hearty addition, serve it with a side of Minestrone With Sausage. You can also sprinkle some fresh parsley or basil on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Super Easy Lasagna contains roughly 271 calories, with 19g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (38% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 477mg per serving (21% 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 a different type of cheese in this lasagna?
Absolutely! While Cheddar and Mozzarella are great choices, you can also use Ricotta, Parmesan, or any other cheese you prefer. Mixing different cheeses can add unique flavors and textures to your lasagna, making it even more delicious.
How can I make this lasagna vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach. You can also add lentils or chickpeas for added protein. Just ensure the sauce is meat-free, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian lasagna.
Can I freeze the lasagna before baking it?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. This is a great option for meal prep or busy weeknights.
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).