Tammie'S Lasagne
A hearty layered lasagne featuring rich meat sauce, melted cheeses, and savory herbs, perfect for family dinners and special occasions craving comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 lb ground meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp butter ⓘ
- 1 bell pepper
- 1 bunch green onions ⓘ
- 8 oz mushrooms ⓘ
- 3 (16 oz) cans Italian tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 medium fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c red wine (optional) ⓘ
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tsp oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp tarragon
- 1 tsp garlic salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp rosemary ⓘ
- 1 tsp parsley ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp sage ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 2 lb mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 1 lb Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 lb sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp oil ⓘ
- 8 qt water ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground meat in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Set the browned meat aside.
- Saute butter, chopped bell pepper, green onions, and chopped mushrooms until tender.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the browned meat.
- Pour in the Italian tomato sauce, add chopped tomatoes, and seasonings.
- Simmer the mixture for a couple of hours.
- In the last 30 minutes of simmering, add red wine.
- Cook lasagne noodles in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, and cheeses in a baking dish.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of different meats like beef and pork. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the mozzarella with ricotta cheese. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can enhance the sauce's depth. Be sure to use fresh herbs when possible for the best flavor. If you're short on time, opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify the process.
Serving Suggestions
Tammie's Lasagne pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine complements the flavors of the dish nicely. For a vegetarian twist, consider serving it alongside a light vegetable dish or a side of Italian Bread Crumb Breading For Fish for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If reheating a whole dish, cover with foil to prevent drying out, and add a splash of water or sauce for moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tammie'S Lasagne contains roughly 1851 calories, with 25g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 132g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (205% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1195mg per serving (52% 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 the lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make Tammie's Lasagne gluten-free, simply substitute the regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer excellent alternatives that hold up well during baking. Also, ensure that all sauces and cheeses are labeled gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you want to substitute mozzarella, consider using provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a vegan cheese blend can work well for a dairy-free version. Just ensure the texture is similar to melt well in the lasagna.
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).