Rosie'S Lasagna
A hearty classic lasagna layered with seasoned meat, creamy cottage cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb hamburger or Italian sausage ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon oregano ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 8 ounces tomato sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 12 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 pound lasagna noodles ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger or Italian sausage and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water to the meat; mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted water for 10 to 13 minutes until tender.
- Drain noodles and rinse with cold water until cool enough to handle.
- Combine cottage cheese and the beaten egg in a bowl.
- Spread half of the cooked noodles in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Layer half of the meat sauce over the noodles, then half of the cottage cheese mixture, half of the sliced mozzarella, and sprinkle with half of the Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers with remaining ingredients.
- Bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding fresh basil or spinach to the meat sauce. If you want a lighter option, substitute ground turkey for the sausage. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time. To enhance the texture, try mixing in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese for a creamier layer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rosie’s 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 of the tomato sauce. For a special touch, sprinkle fresh herbs on top before serving, or try it alongside Italian recipes for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rosie'S Lasagna contains roughly 450 calories, with 16g protein, 89g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (133% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value), and calcium (78% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1146mg per serving (50% 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?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze lasagna before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add 30-45 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely before wrapping.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese for a creamier texture. You can also blend silken tofu for a dairy-free option or use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Each option brings its own flavor and texture to the lasagna.
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).