Virginia'S Easy Lasagne
Virginia's Easy Lasagne offers a hearty, comforting layers of seasoned beef, rich cheese filling, and gooey melted mozzarella, all nestled between tender uncooked lasagne sheets. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, its savory flavors and satisfying texture make it a timeless favorite for all pasta lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown beef in a 3-quart saucepan; drain off excess fat.
- Add sauce and water; simmer about 10 minutes.
- Combine ricotta or cottage cheese, eggs, parsley (if using), salt, and pepper to make the cheese filling.
- Pour about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan.
- Layer 3 pieces of uncooked lasagne over the sauce.
- Cover with about 1 1/2 cups of sauce and spread 1/2 of the cheese filling over the sauce.
- Repeat layers of lasagne, sauce, and cheese filling.
- Top with a final layer of lasagne and the remaining sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 55 to 60 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake about 10 minutes longer.
- Allow to stand about 10 minutes before cutting for easier handling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef. You can also mix in some sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition. If you're short on time, consider using no-boil lasagna noodles. This recipe also works well with a mix of cheeses; try incorporating some ricotta in addition to cottage cheese for a creamier texture. For a twist, check out the Make Ahead Lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette and garlic bread on the side. For an Italian-inspired meal, consider serving it with a glass of red wine. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano on top before serving to enhance the flavors. Explore more delicious Italian recipes to complement this dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the lasagna with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions; just cover them to retain moisture and heat in short intervals until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Virginia'S Easy Lasagne contains roughly 512 calories, with 26g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), protein (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1690mg per serving (73% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover lasagna. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until hot.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta cheese, small curd cottage cheese is a great alternative. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream. Each brings a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preferences.
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).