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Family-Style Lasagna

This hearty Italian lasagna features layers of tender pasta, savory ground beef in rich tomato sauce, creamy cottage cheese mixture, and melted mozzarella. A comforting family favorite that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible aroma and satisfying flavors.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Lasagna, Pasta
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 485kcal

Equipment

Chef's Knife
Chopping Board
Medium Saucepan
Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Casserole Dish

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 640 ml tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup green pepper chopped fine
  • 2 tablespoons onions chopped fine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • Pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • Pepper to taste

For Assembly:

  • 10-12 lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and drain.
  • Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
  • Add green pepper, onion, sugar, garlic salt, oregano, and pepper to the beef. Stir in tomato sauce.
  • Simmer the meat sauce uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley flakes, and pepper. Mix well.
  • To assemble lasagna: Start with a layer of noodles in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • Spread half of the meat sauce over the noodles.
  • Layer the entire cheese mixture over the meat sauce.
  • Add another layer of noodles.
  • Top with remaining meat sauce and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  • Let sit for 10 minutes before cutting to allow layers to set.

Notes

Cook noodles al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven
Cottage cheese can be substituted with ricotta cheese for a richer flavor
Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly during baking
Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months; thaw completely before baking
Leftover lasagna keeps in refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well in microwave
For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup red wine to the meat sauce while simmering

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 890mg | Potassium: 625mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 8g