Pam'S Lasagna
Pam's Lasagna is a hearty, cheesy Italian dish layered with flavorful sausage, ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 (1 lb.) package uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 28 oz. tomatoes, cut up (undrained) ⓘ
- 12 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 cup black olives ⓘ
- 4 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 15 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil the lasagna noodles until al dente.
- Cook Italian sausage, ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the sausage is no longer pink and the onion is tender.
- Drain excess fat, then stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, dried basil, fennel seed, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese, beaten egg, parsley flakes, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Layer in a baking dish: sauce, lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, and shredded mozzarella; repeat to create three layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let the lasagna stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the layers. For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey for the beef and sausage. If you're short on time, no-boil lasagna noodles are a great alternative. Don't skip the resting time after baking; it helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Pam's Lasagna pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Italian red wine, such as Chianti, complements the rich flavors of the dish. For a cozy night in, serve alongside a bowl of Beef Italian Soup for a hearty dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 25-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pam'S Lasagna contains roughly 905 calories, with 24g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (93% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), and iron (74% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1791mg per serving (78% 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?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or cream cheese as a substitute. Both options will maintain a creamy texture and add richness to your lasagna.
Can I freeze Pam's Lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the lasagna, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
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).