No Fuss Beef Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna with savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef in a skillet for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Mix spaghetti sauce, Italian diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- In a medium bowl, beat the egg.
- Add Ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese to the beaten egg and mix well.
- Spread 2 cups of meat and sauce mixture in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- Arrange 5 lasagna noodles one at a time over the sauce, pressing into the meat mixture.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of grated Mozzarella cheese over the cheese layer and top with 1 1/2 cups of meat sauce.
- Add another layer of lasagna noodles, pressing into the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle additional Mozzarella cheese on top and tent the foil lightly.
- Bake at approximately 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 15 minutes before cutting into 3-inch squares and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic and onion when browning the beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you have extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini, layer them in for added nutrition. Using no-boil lasagna noodles can save time, but adjust the sauce quantity to ensure they cook properly. This dish pairs beautifully with Minestrone.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread is another great accompaniment, perfect for scooping up any sauce left on the plate. For a more hearty meal, pair it with Italian recipes like Ziti With Pepperoni or a side of roasted vegetables.
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 until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover them to retain moisture and ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Fuss Beef Lasagna contains roughly 228 calories, with 16g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1346mg per serving (59% 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, simply remove the wrap and bake as directed. It may require a few extra minutes in the oven since it's starting cold.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of Ricotta?
Absolutely! Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute for Ricotta. Just blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Some people even prefer the taste of cottage cheese, making it a great alternative in this lasagna.
What can I do if I don't have Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or even a blend of other hard cheeses. Nutritional yeast is a good dairy-free option that can provide a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
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).