Why You’ll Love this Italian Lasagna
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or hosting friends for a special occasion, this Italian Lasagna recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort food.
I love how this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. The rich meat sauce, seasoned with just the right amount of oregano and garlic, pairs beautifully with creamy cheese layers.
Can anything beat that golden, bubbly mozzarella top?
Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t have cottage cheese on hand? Ricotta works too.
Want it spicier? Add some red pepper flakes to the meat sauce. It’s a forgiving dish that welcomes your personal touch.
What Ingredients are in Italian Lasagna?
Traditional Italian lasagna combines layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese to create a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. This classic recipe uses simple ingredients that work together to create rich, complex flavors.
- 10-12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 640 ml tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Pepper to taste
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon parsley flakes
- 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
While this recipe calls for cottage cheese, many authentic Italian versions use ricotta cheese instead for a smoother texture. The ground beef can also be substituted with a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, the meat can be replaced with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant while still maintaining the dish’s hearty character.
How to Make this Italian Lasagna
Begin by browning 1 lb of lean ground beef in a pan.
Once browned, add 1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped onions, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and pepper to taste.
Allow this meat sauce to simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, giving the flavors time to blend together.
Meanwhile, prepare the cheese filling by combining 2 cups of cottage cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon of parsley flakes, and pepper to taste in a bowl.
Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
To assemble the lasagna, start with a layer of 10-12 lasagna noodles at the bottom of your baking dish.
Spread half of the prepared meat sauce over the noodles, followed by the cheese mixture you prepared earlier.
Add another layer of noodles, then top with the remaining meat sauce.
Finally, sprinkle 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake the lasagna uncovered at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, or until it becomes golden brown.
Once done, allow it to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
This resting period helps the lasagna set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Italian Lasagna Substitutions and Variations
While this classic lasagna recipe is delicious as written, you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or what’s available in your pantry.
Don’t have ground beef? Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a vegetarian mix of mushrooms and lentils. The cheese is flexible too — ricotta works beautifully in place of cottage cheese, and who wouldn’t love some extra mozzarella on top?
For a healthier spin, I recommend whole wheat noodles or gluten-free alternatives. You can even skip pre-cooking the noodles entirely with the no-boil variety, my personal time-saving hack.
Want more veggies? Sneak in some spinach, zucchini, or carrots.
What to Serve with Italian Lasagna
Every great Italian lasagna deserves equally delicious accompaniments that complement its rich, savory flavors.
I always recommend starting with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette—the acidity cuts through the cheesy goodness perfectly.
Mom’s garlic bread, mentioned in the recipe, is an absolute must-have for sopping up that delicious sauce.
For drinks, you can’t go wrong with a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano.
If you’re serving kids or non-drinkers, sparkling water with lemon makes a rejuvenating alternative.
Want to round out this comfort meal? A light dessert like lemon sorbet cleanses the palate beautifully.
Final Thoughts
After mastering this classic Italian lasagna, you’ll understand why it’s been a family favorite for generations.
The combination of rich meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta creates magic on your dinner table.
I love how versatile this recipe is—add mushrooms if you’re feeling fancy, or throw in some spinach for extra nutrition.
The leftovers? Even better the next day when the flavors deepen and meld together.
