Mel'S Lasagna
Creamy, cheesy lasagna with a sweet-savory tomato base, enriched with cream cheese and sour cream, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef in butter, then drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, sugar, and tomato sauce to the meat and stir.
- Simmer covered for 20 minutes.
- Cook lasagna noodles, drain, and rinse with cold water.
- Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
- Grease a 9x13-inch pan and spread a layer of sauce.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the sauce.
- Sprinkle a layer of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
- Add a layer of cooked noodles.
- Repeat the sauce, cream cheese mixture, cheese, and noodle layers until all sauce is used, about three layers total.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding more sour cream or a layer of ricotta cheese. If you want to reduce fat, substitute ground turkey for beef. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. For added flavor, try incorporating Italian seasoning or fresh herbs. This lasagna recipe can easily be customized with your favorite vegetables or by using different cheeses, much like in Macaroni And Dried Beef Casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a nutritious side. A light, crisp white wine complements the rich flavors of the dish. For a twist, try serving it with a dollop of pesto on top, enhancing the classic Italian flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method retains better texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mel'S Lasagna contains roughly 1476 calories, with 55g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (110% of the Daily Value), calcium (75% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (66% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2204mg per serving (96% 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 this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the cover and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese or cottage cheese blended until smooth. Greek yogurt can also work for a healthier option, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent lasagna noodles from sticking, be sure to rinse them thoroughly after boiling. Adding a little olive oil to the water during cooking can also help. When layering, make sure to separate the noodles and not let them overlap too much.
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).