Friday, March 1, 2013

Meaty Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna is a favorite in our house.  Meat, cheese, noodles, and sauce what is not to love?!?  Originally I was  planning on making Spinach and Prosciutto Lasagna, but when I was able to get my favorite local made italian sausage cheap my meal plan changed a little.

This is definitely a great meaty lasagna.  I love the addition of spinach and ricotta.  Yum!  Definitely irresistable!  I also decided to use a homemade sauce.  I used my homemade pizza sauce and doubled the recipe.  I subbed Hunt's pasta sauce for the tomato sauce, used 6 oz tomato paste, and left everything else the same.  Super easy and affordable!
















Meaty Spinach Lasagna
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
2 cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
1 package lasagna noodles (you will need about 14-16 noodles)
5-6 cups pasta sauce (or 2 jars)
1 lb ground beef
3/4 lb italian sausage
1 medium onion, diced
1 TBS minced garlic
24 oz shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded

  • Prepare noodles as directed on package, drain and set aside
  • Place 1/2-1 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of a 11x13 baking dish, spread to coat, and set aside
  • In a large skillet saute onion over medium high until translucent, about 7-10 minutes
  • Add garlic and saute for about 1 minute
  • Add italian sausage and ground beef to the skillet and cook until no longer pink and cooked through
  • Drain the meat mixture and return to the skillet
  • Add the remaining pasta sauce and simmer until ready to build lasagna
  • Meanwhile in a small bowl combine spinach, ricotta, egg, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
  • To build the lasagna place 4-5 noodles on top prepared sauce, top with 1/2 of the ricotta mixture (I place dollups around then smush them down a bit with my fingers), 1 1/2 - 2 cups of the meat mixture, 8 oz shredded mozzarella and repeat
  • For the top layer add the noodles on top of the shredded mozzarella, top with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 60 minutes
  • Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake for 10 minutes or until melted and bubbly
  • Let rest for about 10-20 minutes before serving
Lasagna can seem like a very intensive dish, but it really isn't.  The layering takes some time and it does take a while to cook.  In the end it is sooooo worth the effort.  There is nothing like a homemade lasagna.  For me it is the ultimate comfort food.  


Below is the nutritional value per serving.  This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.


Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 369 g
Amount Per Serving
Calories
678
Calories from Fat
259
% Daily Value*
Total Fat
28.8g
44%
Saturated Fat
13.5g
68%
Trans Fat
0.1g
Cholesterol
151mg
50%
Sodium
1159mg
48%
Total Carbohydrates
55.0g
18%
Dietary Fiber
3.2g
13%
Sugars
6.5g
Protein
48.3g
Vitamin A 62%Vitamin C 26%
Calcium 63%Iron 62%
Nutrition Grade B
* Based on a 2000 calorie diet

Nutritional Analysis

Good points


Linked to:

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16 comments:

  1. This looks so delicious and sounds easy! My husband is not a big fan of lasagna, so I never end up making it. I think this has to change! Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. Oh my! I would say so! He has to be the first person I know of you doesn't like lasagna, but then again my husband is the complete opposite. He wanted it at our wedding...needless to say that was a no go. Red sauce and white are not a good combo ;)

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  2. I love that you put spinach and meat in your lasagna... funny I've never done that. Great idea. Thanks for sharing your recipe with us on foodie friday.

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    1. Thank you :) I love spinach and this is the first time I have put it in lasagna, but I always use it stuffed shells and manicotti so I thought why not in lasagna :)

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  3. What a great recipe! I would love for you to share this or any of your great ideas at the link party going on now (and every Saturday through Tuesday) at ‘Or so she says …’ Hope to see you there! www.oneshetwoshe.com

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  4. I LOVE putting spinach in my lasagna and stuffed shells, tastes so good and so healthy. Stopping by from the tempt my tummy blog hop

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    Replies
    1. I couldn't agree more! We love spinach and it is a great addition :)

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  5. That sounds so good...........Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop this week; I hope you’ll join us again!


    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  6. My husband made lasagna over the weekend. Wish we would have seen this--I would like lasagna with spinach (it's my fav vegetable). Next time! Thanks for linking this week, Erika. I appreciate it!

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    1. I love lasagna all kinds of ways, but I like the addition of spinach. Noodles, cheese, sauce....how can you go wrong?!?

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  7. Oh my goodness - that looks amazing!!

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  8. Hi! I love any kind of lasagna and I will be trying this wonderful recipe:) Have a great week~ Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
    now following on GFC

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    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

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