Mom And Me Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with seasoned meats, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 12 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups Romano/Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 5 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 14 oz can tomato sauce ⓘ
- black pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons leaf oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef, pork sausage with chopped onion and garlic.
- Add chopped green pepper to the meat mixture and cook briefly.
- Drain the mixture to remove excess fat.
- Combine tomato paste with 2 cups water and whisk until blended.
- Pour the tomato mixture into the meat mixture.
- Add 1 can of tomato sauce, leaf oregano, and black pepper to taste.
- Simmer for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, shredded mozzarella, Romano/Ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option, or use a mix of Italian sausage and ground chicken for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, you can also use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with the dish, enhancing the rich flavors of the meat and cheese. For a variation, consider serving with Italian recipes like garlic sautéed greens or roasted vegetables on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom And Me Lasagna contains roughly 529 calories, with 26g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 585mg per serving (25% 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, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! Cool the lasagna completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for Romano/Ricotta cheese?
You can use cottage cheese as a substitute for Ricotta, or try a blend of cream cheese and sour cream for a different texture. If you want to maintain the cheesy flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan to the mix.
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).