Short Cut Lasagna
A quick, hearty lasagna with bold tomato flavors, ground beef, and cheesy layers, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners craving comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns.
- In a large saucepan, mix together whole tomatoes, tomato sauce, spaghetti mix, and V-8 juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the cooked meat and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with oil and add a layer of the meat sauce into the dish.
- Add a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of meat sauce on top.
- Cover the dish with foil, set into a jelly roll pan, and bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use no-boil lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. To enhance the flavor, consider adding Italian spices like oregano or basil. This dish is similar to Saucepan Spaghetti, making it a great family-friendly option.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your short cut 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 meat sauce. For a fun twist, try serving with a side of Italian Bean And Sausage Soup for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can add a splash of V-8 juice to keep it moist during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short Cut Lasagna contains roughly 281 calories, with 19g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (39% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. At about 281 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just be sure to cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out. 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, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you're looking for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the meat sauce or using a spicy pasta sauce in place of the tomato sauce. You can also top the finished lasagna with sliced jalapeños or hot pepper cheese before baking.
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).