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Homestyle Lasagna

This classic homestyle lasagna features layers of perfectly seasoned ground beef, a trio of cheeses, and tender pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. The creamy cottage cheese mixture and rich tomato meat sauce create an irresistible flavor combination that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen, though it's surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 10-12 lasagna noodles cooked according to package directions
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
  • 640 ml tomato sauce
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
  3. Add the chopped green pepper and onions to the meat and cook until vegetables soften, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in the tomato sauce, sugar, garlic salt, oregano, and black pepper to taste.
  5. Allow the sauce mixture to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. While the sauce simmers, prepare the cheese mixture by combining cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, parsley flakes, and a bit of black pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
  7. Begin assembly by placing a layer of cooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  8. Spread half of the meat sauce over the noodles.
  9. Spread the cottage cheese mixture evenly over the meat sauce.
  10. Add another layer of noodles on top of the cheese mixture.
  11. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the noodles.
  12. Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
  13. Bake uncovered for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
  14. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving - this helps the layers set properly for cleaner slices. If you prefer, you can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. This lasagna can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serve with garlic bread and a crisp Caesar salad for a complete meal.