Speedy Spinach Lasagna
A quick and hearty spinach lasagna with rich tomato flavors, creamy cheese, and melted mozzarella, perfect for a satisfying family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. spaghetti sauce mix ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 3/4 cups cold water ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) container Ricotta or 1 lb. creamed cottage cheese
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine spaghetti sauce mix, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and cold water. Mix well.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and add ricotta or cottage cheese, thawed and drained spinach, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Layer the sauce mixture and cheese mixture in a baking dish, starting with sauce, then cheese, and repeat as desired.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and sliced mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 60 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce mixture. You can substitute the Ricotta cheese with cottage cheese for a lighter version. If you're short on time, using no-cook lasagna noodles can save you a step. This dish also works well with fresh spinach if you prefer it over frozen. For a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Speedy Spinach Lasagna with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. A light drizzle of olive oil over the top adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Tuscany Crostini for an appetizer. For beverages, consider a glass of red wine to complement the rich flavors of the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium heat until hot, but be careful not to overcook.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Spinach Lasagna contains roughly 297 calories, with 15g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1582mg per serving (69% 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 prepare this lasagna in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's going into the oven cold. This allows the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the cheese?
Absolutely! You can replace the cheeses with plant-based options like cashew cheese or tofu ricotta for a vegan version. Make sure to check that the spaghetti sauce mix is vegetarian-friendly as well, as some may contain animal products.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, include red pepper flakes in the sauce mixture or layer sliced jalapeños between the cheese and sauce layers. You could also use a spicy marinara sauce instead of regular spaghetti sauce for an extra kick.
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).