Mike'S Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with seasoned ground meat, tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving Italian comfort food.
Ingredients
- 9 to 12 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 to 2 cans tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 2 large bags grated Mozzarella cheese
- parsley to taste
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- oregano to taste ⓘ
- Italian seasoning to taste ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese to taste ⓘ
- 1 medium fresh onion minced ⓘ
- mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Combine the cooked meat with tomato paste, tomato sauce, minced onion, and seasonings like parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions; drain.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and grated mozzarella cheese in a baking dish, repeating layers as desired.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese and additional mozzarella if preferred.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. If you're short on time, using no-boil lasagna noodles can save you a step. Additionally, for a healthier twist, you can incorporate spinach or zucchini, similar to those found in Spinach And Ham Lasagna. Don't forget to taste your sauce throughout the cooking process to adjust the seasonings to your preference.
Serving Suggestions
Mike'S Lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, such as a Caesar or Italian salad, to balance its richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette can also complement the dish nicely. For a lighter option, serve with Parmesan Pasta Salad for a refreshing contrast. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil until heated through. For best results, add a splash of tomato sauce if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mike'S Lasagna contains roughly 358 calories, with 17g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (182% of the Daily Value), and calcium (142% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 923mg per serving (40% 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 prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble it completely, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for ground meat?
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a meat alternative like Beyond Meat. You can also use a mix of finely chopped vegetables, similar to those in Robie'S Vegetable Lasagna, for added texture and flavor.
How do I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To prevent a watery lasagna, ensure you drain your cooked noodles thoroughly and avoid excess liquid in your meat sauce. You can also use a thicker tomato paste and let the sauce simmer longer to reduce excess moisture before layering.
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).