This hearty lasagna brings together classic Italian-American flavors with layers of seasoned beef, tomato sauce, and rich cheeses. Written on aged index cards, this vintage recipe reflects mid-century home cooking at its finest—simple ingredients layered to perfection and baked until bubbling. With a rich meat sauce simmered from tomato paste, sauce, and whole tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish has long been a comforting family favorite for Sunday dinners and potlucks alike.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg lasagna noodles
- 2 lbs ground lean beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 8 oz tomato sauce
- 1 quart tomatoes (undrained, approx. 32 oz canned whole tomatoes)
- 2 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- mozzarella cheese (grated )
- Parmesan cheese (grated )
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Beef and Aromatics
- In a large skillet, sauté ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender.
Step 2: Simmer Sauce
- Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, salt, pepper, sugar, oregano, and parsley.
- Simmer mixture together until flavors are well blended and sauce is slightly thickened.
Step 3: Cook Noodles
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
- Drain carefully and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble Lasagna
- Grease a 12×12-inch baking dish.
- Spread a layer of noodles in the bottom.
- Add a layer of meat sauce.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Repeat layers until dish is full, ending with cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 30–40 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips
- Drain cooked noodles carefully to keep them intact for layering
- Let lasagna rest 10 to 15 minutes before cutting for cleaner slices
- Use part-skim mozzarella to slightly reduce fat content
- Add a second garlic clove for a stronger savory flavor
- Substitute ground turkey for beef if desired
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Fresh parsley can be mixed into the cheese layer for extra freshness
- Freeze assembled but unbaked lasagna for later use
- Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly
- Serve with a simple green salad to balance richness
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 32gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 820mgFiber: 4.5gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1150IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 360mgIron: 4.2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!