Real Italian Lasagna
Rich and hearty Italian lasagna layered with savory meat sauce, cheeses, and herbs, perfect for family dinners and special occasions craving authentic flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 2 or 3 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. sage ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. rosemary ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/4 tsp. celery salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 6 to 8 lasagna noodles, cooked ⓘ
- 8 oz. cottage cheese or Ricotta cheese
- 10 oz. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 10 oz. Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain.
- Add the chopped onions, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes or longer, adding water gradually as needed.
- Layer the cooked lasagna noodles, sauce, cottage cheese or Ricotta, shredded Cheddar, shredded Mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses half at a time in a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the sauce while it simmers. You can substitute the ground beef with Italian sausage for a spicier kick. If you're short on time, use no-boil lasagna noodles to skip the cooking step. Fresh herbs can also enhance the taste; feel free to replace dried herbs with fresh ones in a 3:1 ratio.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of Chianti wine complements the flavors well. For a heartier option, serve alongside Minestrone Beef Soup. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Italian Lasagna contains roughly 674 calories, with 22g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (219% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can substitute cottage cheese with Ricotta cheese, which is traditional in many Italian recipes. Cream cheese can also work in a pinch, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Just remember to mix it with an egg for better consistency.
How can I prevent my lasagna from being watery?
To avoid watery lasagna, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the canned tomatoes and avoid overcooking the sauce. Layering the noodles and cheese properly also helps absorb moisture. Using a thicker tomato sauce can also contribute to a firmer texture.
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).