Mary Ellen'S Lasagne
A hearty, cheesy lasagne layered with flavorful Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheeses, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who love comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. dried basil, crushed ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 10 oz. lasagne noodles
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 3 c. Ricotta or cream-style cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Romano or Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. dried parsley flakes
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the sausage; drain excess fat.
- Add undrained tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, garlic, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to the sausage.
- Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of Italian sausage and ground beef. You can substitute cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you want to lighten the dish, try using whole grain lasagne noodles. Adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano can enhance the taste. This recipe can also be layered with vegetables for a healthy twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian vinaigrette pairs nicely with the richness of the dish. For a delightful touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top before serving. This dish also pairs beautifully with Linguine With Italian Sausage for a family-style dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagne 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 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ellen'S Lasagne contains roughly 972 calories, with 43g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (109% of the Daily Value), protein (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (82% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 877mg per serving (38% 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 lasagne noodles instead of regular noodles?
Yes, you can use no-boil lasagne noodles for this recipe. Just layer them as directed, and the sauce will cook them perfectly. You may want to add a bit more sauce or water to ensure they cook through and remain moist.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, consider using blended tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a similar texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this lasagne, simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. You can also use lentils for added protein, and ensure you use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauces.
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).