Beef and Spinach Lasagna
Cuisine: American Type: Entree

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Ground Beef
1 pound (454)
Spinach
2 cups (480)
Lasagna Noodles
12 sheets (360)
Ricotta Cheese
2 cups (480)
Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups (480)
Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (240)
Eggs
2 units (100)
Tomato Sauce
2 cups (480)
Garlic
2 cloves (10)
Onion
1 unit (100)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
114 oz
(3,222 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Ground Beef
250
Spinach
50
Lasagna Noodles
300
Mozzarella Cheese
400
Parmesan Cheese
100
Ricotta Cheese
200
Onion
50
Garlic
10
Tomato Sauce
100
Olive Oil
120
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Italian Seasoning
0
Sugar
0
Water
0
Totals
1,580 kcal
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven to the temperature mentioned in the recipe.
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onions. Sauté until onions become translucent.
Step 4: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Make sure to break up the meat into small pieces while cooking.
Step 5: Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 6: In a separate pan, wilt the spinach by cooking it over medium heat until it reduces in size. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 7: In a medium-sized bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and beaten eggs. Mix well until smooth.
Step 8: Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom of a baking dish.
Step 9: Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
Step 10: Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of wilted spinach.
Step 11: Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta cheese mixture, and spinach until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce on top.
Step 12: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of meat sauce.
Step 13: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes.
Step 14: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 15: Once cooked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Step 16: Cut into portions and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your homemade Beef and Spinach Lasagna!
Substitutions
- Beef: Substitute with ground turkey or chicken in the same quantity as beef.
- Spinach: Substitute with kale or Swiss chard, using the same quantity as spinach.
- Lasagna noodles: Substitute with other types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni, broken into smaller pieces. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
- Tomato sauce: Substitute with marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes with Italian seasoning. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Mozzarella cheese: Substitute with provolone or cheddar cheese in the same quantity.
- Ricotta cheese: Substitute with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt in the same quantity.
- Parmesan cheese: Substitute with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese in the same quantity.
- Onion: Substitute with shallots or leeks in the same quantity.
- Garlic: Substitute with garlic powder or minced garlic in the same quantity.
- Italian seasoning: Substitute with a mixture of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary in the same quantity.
- Salt and pepper: Adjust the amount according to taste.
Note: Adjustments in cooking time and seasoning may be required depending on the specific substitute used.
Pairings
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Red wine (such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- Italian breadsticks
- Caprese salad
- Antipasto platter
- Chianti wine
- Minestrone soup
- Tiramisu for dessert
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for an elegant finishing touch.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for a pop of color.
- Use a piping bag to create decorative swirls of béchamel sauce on the top layer.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add a layer of caramelized onions between the beef and spinach layers for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate a mixture of different cheeses, such as fontina or Gruyère, to enhance the richness and creaminess.
- Layer thinly sliced roasted red peppers for a smoky and slightly sweet taste.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Replace regular ground beef with Wagyu beef for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Use fresh homemade pasta sheets instead of store-bought for a more delicate texture.
- Add a layer of sautéed wild mushrooms, like chanterelles or morels, for an earthy and luxurious touch.
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean ground beef or substitute it with ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content.
- Replace regular lasagna noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles for a healthier option or to accommodate those with gluten intolerance.
- Incorporate low-fat or part-skim ricotta cheese instead of full-fat ricotta to lower the saturated fat content.
- Opt for reduced-fat mozzarella cheese or use a smaller amount to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
- Increase the proportion of spinach in the lasagna to boost the vegetable content and add more nutrients.
- Consider adding other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the fiber and nutrient density of the dish.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe or use low-sodium tomato sauce and canned tomatoes to make it suitable for individuals with hypertension or those watching their sodium intake.
- If lactose intolerant, use lactose-free or plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or soy milk when making the béchamel sauce.
- For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives or additional vegetables, and replace dairy-based cheeses with vegan cheese alternatives.
- Lastly, portion control is important for those watching their calorie intake, so consider serving smaller portions or pairing the lasagna with a side salad or steamed vegetables to create a more balanced meal.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat content.
- Increase the amount of spinach in the recipe for added vitamins and minerals.
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles instead of refined white flour noodles for higher fiber content.
- Replace full-fat cheese with reduced-fat or part-skim versions to reduce calorie and saturated fat intake.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase the nutrient density of the dish.
- Use low-sodium or no-salt-added tomato sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Consider using cottage cheese or ricotta cheese instead of heavy cream or bechamel sauce for a lighter filling.
- Minimize the amount of added salt and season with herbs and spices for flavor.
- Opt for homemade tomato sauce instead of store-bought to control the ingredients and reduce added sugars.
- Bake the lasagna uncovered to reduce the need for additional oil or butter.
Shortcuts
1. Opt for no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and eliminate the need for precooking.
2. Use ground beef instead of expensive cuts to reduce cost without sacrificing flavor.
3. Incorporate frozen spinach instead of fresh to save time on cleaning and chopping.
4. Prepare the meat sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator to minimize cooking time.
5. Substitute part of the beef with cooked lentils or mushrooms for a more economical and healthier option.
6. Consider using pre-shredded mozzarella cheese to save time on grating.
7. Use a store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch to cut down on cooking time.
8. Make a larger portion and freeze individual servings for quick and affordable future meals.
9. Opt for a smaller baking dish to reduce cooking time and save energy.
10. Experiment with adding herbs and spices to enhance flavor, allowing you to use less expensive ingredients.