Mock Lasagne
A hearty and cheesy layered lasagne-inspired dish using shell pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and spices, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil water to cook shells. Drain and rinse.
- Brown crumbled hamburger in a skillet.
- Drain off excess grease from the hamburger.
- Add Ragu sauce and spices to the hamburger and simmer.
- In a 9 x 13-inch pan, layer part of the Ragu mixture to cover the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked shells on top of the sauce layer.
- Cover with half of the remaining Ragu and cheese.
- Layer the remaining shells on top.
- Spread the remaining Ragu sauce and cheese over the top layer.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding ricotta or cottage cheese between the layers. If you want to spice things up, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the Ragu sauce. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. If you don't have Ragu, any marinara sauce will work well. Make sure to not overcook the shells; they should be al dente, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the mock lasagne with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Fern'S Sausage Casserole for a comforting dinner spread. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. A light dessert like fruit salad or sorbet can nicely round off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mock lasagne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. For larger portions, cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; just thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mock Lasagne contains roughly 319 calories, with 19g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (117% of the Daily Value), calcium (100% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 636mg per serving (28% 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 a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pasta shells work great, you can substitute with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, rigatoni, or even traditional lasagna noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions to achieve the right texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this mock lasagne vegetarian, simply omit the hamburger and replace it with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can also add a layer of spinach or kale for added nutrition. Use vegetable-based marinara sauce for the best flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare mock lasagne ahead of time! Assemble it up to a day before and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, you may need to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).