Real Italian Lasagne
A hearty Italian lasagne layered with rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that crave authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 2 tsp. marjoram ⓘ
- 1 tsp. anise seed ⓘ
- 1 can (15 oz.) tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 small can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 9 to 11 lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 8 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 12 oz. mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. lean ground round ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown garlic and green pepper in oil.
- Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, and spices; cook for 45 to 60 minutes.
- Brown ground beef, then add to the sauce mixture, and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes.
- Cook lasagne noodles as directed in boiling water with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
- Layer the casserole: sauce mixture, noodles, sauce, noodles, cheeses, sauce, noodles, cheeses. Finish with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until cheese melts and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more authentic flavor, consider using San Marzano tomatoes. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the cottage cheese with ricotta. To save time, use no-boil lasagne noodles, but make sure to adjust the liquid in your sauce. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover meats or vegetables, making it versatile for various Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it with a light red wine, like Chianti, to enhance the flavors. For a twist, try serving it alongside some Ricotta Toast for a unique appetizer before the main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high power.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Real Italian Lasagne contains roughly 890 calories, with 40g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (137% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (129% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 666mg per serving (29% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try using a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, or even lentils.
How can I make lasagne less watery?
To prevent a watery lasagne, ensure that you drain excess liquid from the canned tomatoes and consider simmering the sauce longer to thicken it. Also, avoid overcooking the noodles, as they can absorb too much liquid when baked.
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).