Very Easy Lasagna
A comforting, cheesy lasagna layered with savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheeses, perfect for family dinners and gatherings that enjoy classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prepare a 13 x 9-inch pan.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion until browned.
- Add canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, sugar, and oregano to the beef mixture.
- Simmer the sauce for about 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- Meanwhile, cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Layer the ingredients in the prepared pan: start with a layer of sauce, then noodles, cottage cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-60 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving to set the lasagna.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or mushrooms to the meat mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, use pre-made pasta sauce instead of canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste. To make it vegetarian, replace the meat with sautéed vegetables or a meat substitute. For added creaminess, mix some ricotta cheese with the cottage cheese.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this lasagna with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A glass of red wine pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the flavors of the beef and cheese. For a lighter option, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a fresh Italian-style minestrone soup to round out the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze lasagna for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Very Easy Lasagna contains roughly 519 calories, with 32g protein, 70g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (146% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (106% of the Daily Value), and calcium (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1337mg per serving (58% 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
How do I know when the lasagna is done?
The lasagna is done when it is hot and bubbling around the edges, and the cheese on top is golden brown. You can insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot to the touch. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing for clean pieces.
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).