Short-Cut Lasagne
A quick and satisfying lasagne with savory meats, rich cheese layers, and flavorful Italian seasonings, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage; drain well.
- Add the prepared spaghetti sauce, Italian seasoning, pepper, and water; bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine Ricotta cheese and egg; mix well.
- Spread 1 cup of the hot meat sauce in the bottom of an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Cover with 3 uncooked lasagne noodles.
- Add another cup of sauce, then 1/3 of the Ricotta mixture, 1/3 of the shredded Mozzarella cheese, and 1/3 of the Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, sauce, Ricotta mixture, Mozzarella, Parmesan, ending with sauce and cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight, or proceed to bake.
- Next day, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and noodles are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, consider using pre-cooked or frozen ground beef and sausage. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the Ricotta with cottage cheese. To enhance the flavor, add fresh herbs or a splash of red wine to the sauce. For an extra kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Short-Cut Lasagne with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks make excellent sides as well. For a more filling meal, pair it with a bowl of Baked Minestrone Soup. A glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully.
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 warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Short-Cut Lasagne contains roughly 629 calories, with 34g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (68% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium.
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 use no-boil lasagne noodles instead?
Yes, no-boil lasagne noodles can be used, but be sure to add a bit more sauce or water to ensure they cook properly. Layer them as directed, but keep an eye on the baking time, as they may require less time to become tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of this lasagne, simply omit the ground beef and sausage, and instead load it with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms. You can also use a meatless spaghetti sauce to keep the flavors robust.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagne a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Just remember to increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge to ensure it's heated through evenly.
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).