Mom'S Lasagna
Mom's Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy Italian classic featuring layers of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz) can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 8 oz lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 16 oz ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese shredded ⓘ
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion in vegetable oil in a saucepan.
- Add ground beef and cook until crumbly; drain excess fat.
- Simmer together for 30 minutes the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Add 2 cups water to the meat mixture.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain noodles and place on wax paper on a tray.
- Combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg in a bowl to make the cheese mixture.
- Layer 1 cup of meat sauce in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Alternate layers of noodles, meat sauce, cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40 to 50 minutes.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some Italian sausage to the ground beef. You can also substitute the ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter option. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles can save you a step. Always taste and adjust seasonings as necessary to suit your palate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mom's Lasagna with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For an Italian twist, consider serving alongside Jan Metcalf's Italian Spaghetti for a delightful dinner party spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Lasagna contains roughly 1186 calories, with 31g protein, 159g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (153% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value), and calcium (106% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1699mg per serving (74% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella cheese on hand, you can use provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses. Just make sure to maintain the same volume for the best results.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Yes, lasagna freezes well! After assembling, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as normal.
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).