Old Fashioned Lasagna
Old Fashioned Lasagna features rich tomato sauce with olives and herbs, layered with melting mozzarella cheese, perfect for family dinners or special occasions seeking hearty Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 cup olives ⓘ
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1/4 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 minced cloves garlic
- 1 large can tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 large cans tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut olives into large pieces and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in olive oil in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until transparent.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and bay leaf to the beef mixture.
- Cover and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the olives into the sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles in boiling salted water for 20 minutes.
- Drain the cooked lasagna noodles.
- Grate the mozzarella cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of the sauce, consider adding a splash of red wine while it simmers. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute. For a creamier texture, layer in ricotta cheese between the noodles. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, especially since canned tomatoes can vary in flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Old Fashioned Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette complements the richness of the lasagna beautifully. For a fun twist, pair it with Italian recipes like Meatballs Italienne for a hearty feast that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old Fashioned Lasagna contains roughly 490 calories, with 15g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1497mg per serving (65% 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 prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What types of cheese can I use in this lasagna?
While mozzarella is traditional, you can mix in other cheeses like provolone or fontina for added flavor. Ricotta is also a great option for layering, giving a creamy texture to the dish.
Can I freeze the lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze assembled or baked lasagna. If freezing raw, wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. For baked lasagna, cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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).