Marsha'S Lasagna
Creamy, hearty lasagna layered with rich meat sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oleo ⓘ
- 1 large can cut-up tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1 large carton cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley ⓘ
- Mozzarella cheese (as desired) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a skillet until browned.
- Add oil and oleo to boiling water and cook the lasagna noodles until tender.
- Drain the cooked meat mixture and add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella in a baking dish. Repeat layers as desired.
- Bake until cheese is bubbly and golden, about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can be a great substitute. You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Adjust the amount of mozzarella based on your preference for cheesiness, and remember to let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before slicing for cleaner pieces.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the dish nicely. For a lighter option, serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh tomato salad. You can also explore other Italian recipes for variety, such as Meat And Cheese Stuffed Shells or Baked Lasagne Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps maintain the texture of the cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marsha'S Lasagna contains roughly 1190 calories, with 12g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 123g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 481mg 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 prepare lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative that will provide a similar creamy texture. You can also blend silken tofu for a dairy-free version or use cream cheese mixed with a little milk to achieve a similar consistency.
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown, typically after about 30 minutes in the oven. You can also insert a knife into the center; it should feel hot, and the layers should be set. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing for best results.
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).