📜 Collection: Unknown Eighteen | ✍️ Attribution: Unattributed | 📂 Category: Entrees
A classic homemade lasagna recipe featuring a rich, seasoned tomato and hamburger sauce layered with tender pasta and a hearty cheese mixture. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting casserole is a true Italian-American favorite.
Combine in a large bowl and stir together well: 1 - 14 1/2 oz. can tomatoes, 1 large can tomato sauce, 2 small cans tomato paste, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1 - 1 1/2 tsp oregano leaves, 1 - 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper.
Fry 1 - 1 1/2 lb. hamburger in a skillet and drain well. Add to the tomato sauce and mix well.
Simmer sauce over low heat for 1/2 hour until flavors meld.
Preparing the Cheese and Pasta
Combine in a bowl: 1 carton cottage cheese, 3 or 4 oz. romano-parmesan cheese, 1 egg, salt and white pepper, 1 tbls parsley flakes, and 1/2 tsp oregano leaves. Stir well until the mixture is difficult to stir; it should not be too creamy. If it is creamy, add more romano-parmesan cheese.
Cook at least 9 lasagna noodles in boiling salted water to which 2 tbls olive oil has been added. Remove from water, drain well, and rinse in cold water.
Baking the Lasagna
In a baking dish, layer in the following order: First, sauce to cover the bottom of the pan.
Add 3 or 4 pasta noodles in a single layer.
Spread the cottage cheese mixture.
Add another layer of 3 or 4 pasta.
Layer 1 - 1 1/2 lb. mozzarella cheese.
Add another layer of 3 or 4 pasta.
Pour the remaining sauce, ensuring all pasta is covered with sauce.
Sprinkle lightly with romano-parmesan cheese.
Bake for one-half to three-quarter hour in a 375° oven. Remove 15 minutes before serving to set cheeses until bubbly and golden brown.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: Assemble the lasagna ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
