Mediterranean Lasagna
Mediterranean Lasagna combines rich meats, spinach, and cheeses with Italian seasonings, offering a flavorful, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. lasagna noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sausage meat ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 green bell pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 large onion, diced ⓘ
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 clove fresh garlic, diced ⓘ
- Italian seasoning to taste ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) tub Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- red wine ⓘ
- 2 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed
- 8 oz. Feta cheese ⓘ
- 8 oz. Mozzarella cheese, grated ⓘ
- 4 oz. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 small cans mushrooms, chopped ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato paste ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage meat and ground beef.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add diced onion, diced green bell pepper, and fresh minced garlic to the skillet and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Stir in tomato paste, red wine, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, chopped thawed spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, and crumbled Feta cheese.
- Layer cooked lasagna noodles in a baking dish, spread some of the meat sauce, and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with grated Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using turkey sausage instead of pork, and swap out some of the cheeses for low-fat options. If you want to add more vegetables, zucchini or roasted red peppers can be great additions. Using whole wheat lasagna noodles can increase the fiber content. To enhance flavors, marinate the meat in red wine before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mediterranean Lasagna with a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with Chill Out With Gazpacho for a refreshing starter. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or a selection of olives and marinated vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place 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 quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Lasagna contains roughly 344 calories, with 9g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (75% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1111mg per serving (48% 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. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth, or even a mixture of cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a similar texture and tang. Just be sure to adjust seasonings to taste.
Is it possible to freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).