My Favorite Lasagne Recipe
A hearty, cheesy lasagne layered with seasoned ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef or ground turkey ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 1 large clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 8 oz. lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. green pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.
- Drain well.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, water, crushed garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes; set aside.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground turkey, or even Italian sausage for added depth. If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta works as a great substitute. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For a quicker prep, use no-boil lasagna noodles, which save time and hassle. Pairing this dish with garlic bread can elevate your meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A glass of red wine can enhance the flavors beautifully. For a comforting side, garlic bread complements the dish perfectly. If you're entertaining, consider pairing it with Italian recipes like a Caprese salad for a delightful dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. If you're short on time, the microwave is an option; just be sure to heat it in intervals to maintain the texture. Lasagna can also be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Favorite Lasagne Recipe contains roughly 611 calories, with 21g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (195% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (160% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1184mg per serving (51% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights or gatherings.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey is a great alternative for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based meat if you're looking for a vegetarian dish. For a unique twist, try using shredded chicken or a mixture of assorted vegetables to create a hearty, meatless lasagne.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, cook the lasagne noodles in plenty of salted water until al dente. Stir occasionally during cooking. Once drained, you can toss them with a little olive oil to keep them separate until you're ready to layer them in the dish.
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).