Marlene'S Baked Lasagna
Creamy baked lasagna layered with seasoned ground beef, cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or gatherings with classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown onions, green peppers, and ground beef in a skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, garlic salt, salt, pepper, and oregano to the meat mixture.
- Cook wide noodles covered for 14 minutes with 1 tablespoon of salt, then drain.
- Spray a baking pan with Pam or use shortening; cover the bottom with a small amount of sauce.
- Layer half of the noodles, sauce, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese in the pan.
- Repeat layers with remaining noodles, sauce, and cheeses.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting ground turkey for beef and using low-fat cottage cheese. If fresh herbs are available, swap dried oregano for fresh for a brighter flavor. You can also add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Make sure to cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Marlene's Baked Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light tomato soup to enhance the flavors. For a more filling option, serve with Italian Round Steak for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the lasagna to cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F 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 Marlene'S Baked Lasagna contains roughly 159 calories, with 12g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1198mg per serving (52% 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 prepare the lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you are ready to bake. This can actually enhance the flavors as they meld together overnight.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer, ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese. It has a similar texture and will still create a creamy layer in the lasagna. Just mix in an egg for added creaminess and structure.
Can I freeze the baked lasagna?
Absolutely! After baking, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven when ready to serve.
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).