Scratch Lasagne

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: Italian

A hearty layered lasagne with savory meat, creamy cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests craving classic Italian comfort food.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 (3 lb.) jar Ragu spaghetti sauce
  • 10 oz. lasagne noodles
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese
  • 2 lb. lean ground beef
  • 3 c. cottage cheese
  • 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp. parsley flakes
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix together the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, beaten eggs, and black pepper.
  2. Brown the ground beef slowly and spoon off excess fat.
  3. Add the spaghetti sauce to the browned meat and bring to a boil.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions and garlic to the ground beef. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese. Don't forget to boil the lasagne noodles al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven. For a twist, try adding spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the lasagne hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant touch. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside a bowl of Italian Beef Soup. A glass of red wine complements the flavors wonderfully.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover lasagne 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 for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Scratch Lasagne contains roughly 2204 calories, with 65g protein, 477g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (310% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1232mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).

2204 kcal 100% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 64.7g 100% DV
Total Fat 33.7g 43% DV
Carbs 476.8g 100% DV
Fiber 86.8g 100% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1232.3mg 54% DV
Potassium 5000mg 100% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 249.1mcg 28% DV
Vitamin C 1.1mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 2000mg 100% DV
Iron 40mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 lasagne ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter dish. Adjust seasoning as needed to enhance flavor, especially if using leaner meats.

Can I freeze lasagne?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagne before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

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).

Italian recipes → Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →