My Friend'S Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with rich meat sauce and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that crave comforting Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 No. 2 1/2 can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 3/4 lb Ricotta cheese or fine dry cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced onion ⓘ
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp basil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb lasagna wide fat noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water with a little cooking oil until tender, then drain.
- Cook ground beef, minced onion, and minced garlic together over medium heat until browned.
- Add tomato paste, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. If you don't have Ricotta cheese, fine dry cottage cheese works well as a substitute. For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground meat for lentils or mushrooms. Additionally, layering some sautéed spinach can enhance nutrition and flavor, inspired by Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Lasagna pairs beautifully with a side of California Garlic Bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside Fettuccine Vegetable Toss for an additional pasta option. For a touch of sweetness, finish your meal with a slice of Italian Coconut Cream Cake to round out the experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Friend'S Lasagna contains roughly 514 calories, with 25g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (181% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (134% of the Daily Value), and calcium (107% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1662mg per serving (72% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can work well. For a lighter option, consider using part-skim cheese, or for a dairy-free alternative, try a vegan mozzarella substitute.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
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).