Sharon'S Favorite Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with savory beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses—perfect for family dinners and gatherings that crave comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 9 lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 c. small curd cottage cheese ⓘ
- 4 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, cook beef and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
- Stir in water, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion soup mix, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Spoon 1/2 cup meat sauce into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Layer with three cooked lasagna noodles and a third of the cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers twice.
- Cover and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes or until bubbly and heated through.
- Uncover; bake an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or a mix of Italian sausage and ground beef. You can substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta for a creamier texture. If you're low on time, try using no-boil lasagna noodles; just increase the cooking time slightly. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a healthier twist. This recipe pairs well with Italian recipes that feature hearty sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a fresh Italian Twist Salad (Makes 6 Servings) for a complete meal. Garlic bread makes a great side to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with a light red wine, like Chianti, to enhance the flavors. This dish is perfect for gatherings, and you can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd, allowing for delightful leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the lasagna cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Ensure it's heated all the way to the center for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sharon'S Favorite Lasagna contains roughly 523 calories, with 19g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1245mg per serving (54% 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. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables. This will still provide a hearty texture and flavor while keeping it meat-free.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
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).