Cheesy Beef and Potato Lasagna
This Cheesy Beef and Potato Lasagna is a hearty twist on the traditional lasagna, utilizing thinly sliced potatoes instead of noodles. Layered with a rich ground beef and spaghetti sauce mixture, aromatic herbs, and ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese, this comforting dish is an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it's also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for serving a large group. Enjoy the layers of flavor and texture that this delicious recipe brings to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (ground)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
spaghetti sauce
1 (32 ounce) jar (prepared)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
water
1/3 cup (liquid)
potatoes
5 medium (peeled and thinly sliced)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (8 ounce) cups (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the spaghetti sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, black pepper, and water until well combined.
4
In a 13 x 9 inch baking dish, pour half of the beef and sauce mixture evenly on the bottom.
5
Layer the thinly sliced potatoes over the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6
Pour the remaining meat and sauce mixture over the potatoes, spreading it out to cover all the potato slices.
7
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture, which helps cook the potatoes.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
9
Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna.
10
Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef and Potato Lasagna?
This dish is a hearty twist on traditional lasagna that uses thinly sliced potatoes instead of pasta noodles.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include ground beef, onion, spaghetti sauce, medium potatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this potato lasagna gluten-free?
Since it replaces pasta with potatoes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your spaghetti sauce is certified gluten-free.
How many potatoes do I need?
You will need 5 medium potatoes, which should be peeled and thinly sliced.
What temperature should the oven be?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the beef and onion need to cook?
Brown the ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet for about 7 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat after browning the meat and onion.
What spices are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
Why is water added to the recipe?
One-third cup of water is added to the sauce mixture to provide enough moisture to help steam and cook the potato layers.
What size baking dish should I use?
A standard 13 x 9 inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How do I layer the lasagna?
Start with half the beef and sauce mixture, layer the sliced potatoes on top, and then cover with the remaining meat and sauce.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Tightly covering the dish with aluminum foil traps moisture inside, which is essential for ensuring the potatoes become tender.
How long does the dish bake for initially?
The lasagna bakes covered for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are ready when they can be easily pierced with a fork through the layers.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Remove the foil after the initial bake time and sprinkle the cheese over the top before returning it to the oven.
How long do I bake the cheese?
Bake the dish for an additional 10 minutes or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 cups (or 16 ounces) of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken if preferred.
Is there sugar in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe include 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the flavors of the sauce.
Do I need to cook the potatoes before layering?
No, the potatoes should be sliced thin and layered raw; they will cook thoroughly during the 75-minute bake time.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture while it is browning.
What makes this a good family meal?
It is easy to prepare, serves a large group, and offers comforting flavors that are generally kid-friendly.
Should I let the lasagna rest before serving?
Yes, allowing it to cool for a few minutes helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh oregano and basil, but remember to use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well because they hold their shape but become soft and creamy when baked.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, with its layers of beef, sauce, potatoes, and melted cheese, it is a classic comfort food dish.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1.5 pounds of ground beef.
What size jar of spaghetti sauce is needed?
You will need one 32-ounce jar of your favorite prepared spaghetti sauce.
Can I make this in a smaller dish?
If you use a smaller dish, you may need to increase the number of layers and adjust the baking time.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.