Upside-Down Lasagna
Upside-Down Lasagna offers a hearty, cheesy twist on traditional lasagna with rich meat and spinach flavors, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 2 medium onions, chopped ⓘ
- dash of garlic ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 (16 oz) box shell macaroni ⓘ
- 2 c water ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach
- 1 c Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 c flaked parsley ⓘ
- 4 beaten eggs ⓘ
- small can mushroom tidbits ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, chopped onions, and garlic.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, water, salt, and pepper to the skillet.
- Simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.
- Cook the shell macaroni and frozen chopped spinach in separate pans according to package directions.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and spinach.
- Allow both to cool slightly.
- Add beaten eggs and parsley to the spinach and stir well.
- Combine the meat mixture, spinach mixture, and cooked macaroni in a large baking pan and stir until blended.
- Top the mixture with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 to 40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding Italian herbs like oregano or basil to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can substitute for ground beef. You can also use whole wheat shell macaroni for a healthier option. To prevent the dish from becoming too watery, make sure to drain the spinach well before mixing it in.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Upside-Down Lasagna hot, garnished with extra parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Layered Italian Beef Pie for a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Upside-Down Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Upside-Down Lasagna contains roughly 996 calories, with 51g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (122% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2267mg per serving (99% 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
Is it possible to freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Upside-Down Lasagna for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).