Russell'S Beloved Spinach Lasagne
A hearty spinach lasagne layered with rich ricotta, mozzarella, and savory meat sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers craving authentic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. cooked lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 6 oz. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 1 clove minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 bay leaf (optional) ⓘ
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 cans water (from tomato paste cans) ⓘ
- 8 oz. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add tomato paste, water, oregano, basil, minced garlic, sugar, bay leaf (if using), salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer for 20 minutes.
- Combine ricotta cheese with drained spinach in a bowl.
- In a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan, place a layer of cooked lasagne noodles at the bottom.
- Spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles.
- Add another layer of noodles and top with half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining ricotta-spinach mixture, noodles, remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture. If you're looking for a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or use whole wheat lasagne noodles. For a vegetarian option, swap the beef with mushrooms or a mix of Italian vegetables. You can also use cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagne with a simple side salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or Italian bread pairs beautifully with this dish, allowing you to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider offering a side of roasted vegetables or a classic Italian recipe like Sweet Spaghetti Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the noodles soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russell'S Beloved Spinach Lasagne contains roughly 548 calories, with 15g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (138% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (78% of the Daily Value), and calcium (53% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1512mg per serving (66% 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 lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and cover it with foil, baking it for an additional 10-15 minutes if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella, provolone or gouda can be excellent substitutes, adding a unique flavor to your lasagne. You can also use a blend of Italian cheeses for a more complex taste.
How do I prevent the lasagne from being watery?
To avoid a watery lasagne, be sure to drain the spinach thoroughly before mixing it with the ricotta. Additionally, simmering the sauce longer can help reduce excess moisture. Using less water from the tomato paste cans can also contribute to a thicker sauce.
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).