Speedy Spinach Lasagne
This speedy spinach lasagne combines rich tomato sauce, tender spinach, and melted cheeses layered between noodles for a comforting, flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknights, it offers a hearty vegetarian option with a cheesy twist that appeals to families and spinach lovers alike.
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.) Ricotta cheese or 1 lb. creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Empty spaghetti sauce mix into a saucepan; add tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water.
- Heat, stirring until well blended.
- Remove from heat.
- Beat eggs in a large bowl and add ricotta or cottage cheese, spinach, salt, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
- Lightly grease the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch dish.
- Cover the bottom with a little sauce.
- Layer noodles, half of the cheese/spinach mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the tomato sauce mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with lightly greased foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 60 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-made lasagna noodles instead of traditional ones. If you're looking for a lighter version, consider substituting part-skim ricotta cheese or using a mix of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. To enhance the flavors, add Italian herbs like basil or oregano to the sauce. This dish is versatile, and you can sneak in other veggies or even use meat if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Speedy Spinach Lasagne with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A light Italian dressing complements the flavors beautifully. For a delightful dessert, consider pairing it with an Italian Almond Cake to round off the meal. This combination makes for a satisfying dinner that can impress your guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil to prevent drying out and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven method helps retain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Speedy Spinach Lasagne contains roughly 566 calories, with 22g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (48% of the Daily Value), protein (45% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1496mg per serving (65% 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 use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach! Just sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then chop and add it to the cheese mixture. Fresh spinach will give a brighter flavor and texture to your lasagna.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Just ensure to blend it well for a smooth consistency in the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
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).