Our Yummy Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with rich spaghetti sauce, tender hamburger, and creamy cheeses, perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil and drain lasagna noodles as directed on box.
- In a large bowl, mix egg, cottage cheese, and Ricotta cheese.
- Fry hamburger until cooked and drain excess fat.
- Mix hamburger with spaghetti sauce.
- Spray a 13 x 9-inch cake pan with cooking spray.
- Layer with noodles at the bottom of the pan.
- Add a layer of hamburger/spaghetti sauce mixture.
- Spread a layer of cottage cheese/Ricotta/egg mixture over the sauce.
- Top with a portion of Mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, sauce, cheese, ending with a layer of noodles topped with sauce and remaining Mozzarella cheese.
- Save a small portion of Mozzarella cheese and sauce for topping.
- Spread the remaining sauce on top of the final noodle layer and sprinkle with the reserved Mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a blend of meats, such as adding Italian sausage to the hamburger. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture or use low-fat versions of the cheeses to lighten the dish. If you're short on time, pre-cooked lasagna noodles can save you the hassle of boiling.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors. For a lighter option, consider serving with steamed vegetables or roasted zucchini, complementing the richness of the lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Yummy Lasagna contains roughly 585 calories, with 27g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (54% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 823mg per serving (36% 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. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of hamburger?
You can substitute the hamburger with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and lentils as a hearty filling.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual portions or the entire lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge 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).