Neapolitan Lasagna
A hearty and flavorful layered lasagna featuring ground beef, mushrooms, tomato sauce, and cheeses, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside covered.
- Crumble ground beef into a 2-quart glass mixing bowl.
- Cook the beef on high power for 4 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Pour off the drippings from the cooked beef.
- In a separate pan, sauté chopped mushrooms, minced onion, and minced garlic until tender.
- Add tomato puree, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef and mushroom mixture, simmer for 10 minutes.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, cottage cheese, sliced mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while simmering. If you're short on time, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step. Fresh herbs can enhance the taste; try substituting dried herbs with their fresh counterparts for a vibrant touch. This dish also pairs well with Italian recipes like Homemade Minestrone Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Neapolitan lasagna with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread complements the dish beautifully, making it a hearty meal. For a complete Italian experience, pair it with a glass of Chianti. You can also explore other Italian recipes that would make a great addition to your table.
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 a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, checking to avoid overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Neapolitan Lasagna contains roughly 194 calories, with 14g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (72% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1457mg per serving (63% 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 assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a creamier texture, ricotta cheese is a great substitute for cottage cheese. You can also blend cottage cheese until smooth if you want to maintain a similar flavor but achieve a different consistency.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the assembled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. You may need to extend the baking time slightly.
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).