"Stuffing Lasagna"
A hearty layered lasagna featuring savory ground beef, cheesy ricotta, and melty mozzarella, all topped with flavorful spaghetti sauce—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 cup of spaghetti sauce and water; bring to a boil.
- Stir in the stuffing mix until just moistened, then remove from heat.
- Beat the egg in a medium bowl; stir in Ricotta and Parmesan cheese to make the cheese mixture.
- Spoon half of the stuffing mixture evenly into an 8-inch square baking dish.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the stuffing layer.
- Top with 1/2 cup of spaghetti sauce and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining stuffing mixture, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. You can also use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought spaghetti sauce for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian option, use lentils or mushrooms in place of the meat. Be careful not to overmix the stuffing; just stir until moistened to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Stuffing Lasagna with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread pairs well, adding a hearty element. For a comforting touch, consider serving it with a side of Basic Risotto, allowing the creamy texture to balance the savory layers of the lasagna.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but the oven method keeps it crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Stuffing Lasagna" contains roughly 971 calories, with 55g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (109% of the Daily Value), calcium (103% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value). 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layers and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze the Stuffing Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the baking instructions.
What else can I add to the stuffing mix?
You can customize the stuffing mixture by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. For extra flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or spices, such as oregano or basil, which complement the flavors in this dish beautifully.
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).