Traditional Canadian Spinach Lasagna

Traditional Canadian Lasagna is the comforting classic that I bring out for family gatherings and cozy Sunday dinners. Sturdy layers of noodles, rich meat sauce, savory spinach and cottage cheese filling, and plenty of gooey mozzarella make this lasagna a true crowd-pleaser. Its beauty is not just in the wonderful flavors but also its ability to feed a houseful and bring everyone together at the table.

The first time I baked this exact lasagna for a family reunion it disappeared before the rest of the meal hit the table. It is now the dish everyone expects me to bring whenever we celebrate.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: rich savory flavor forms the backbone of the sauce Use fresh local if possible for juiciness and taste
• Homemade tomato sauce: deepens the flavor and makes each layer saucy Homemade adds a rustic touch but a good quality store bought works as well
• Garlic: freshly minced to build flavor right at the start of browning
• Pepper and salt to taste: essential for seasoning each element of the dish
• Cottage cheese: creamy texture blends with spinach and makes a luscious middle layer Choose full fat for richness
• Frozen chopped spinach: thawed and well strained for a deep green veggie boost Always squeeze out all the liquid for best results
• Eggs: to bind the cheese and spinach layer together and create that perfect slice Cook with room temperature eggs for easier mixing
• Mozzarella cheese: plenty of slices create those memorable stretchy cheese pulls Try to buy blocks of mozzarella and slice yourself for best melt and flavor
• Lasagna noodles: sturdy enough to hold together all the layers Cook until just al dente so they do not get mushy during baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Meat Filling:

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet Add the minced garlic and stir constantly breaking up all clumps Let the beef cook over medium heat until completely browned and fragrant about ten minutes Keep going until you see no more pink as this creates a caramelized base for your sauce

Season and Sauce the Meat:

Season the browned beef with salt and pepper tasting as you go Stir in the homemade tomato sauce until the mixture is well combined Simmer together for at least five minutes to marry the flavors Taste and adjust seasoning if needed The meat should be saucy and savory but not soupy

Prepare the Spinach Cheese Filling:

Wrap the thawed spinach in a thick tea towel Twist and squeeze until every bit of water is gone This keeps the layer from being watery Combine spinach with cottage cheese eggs and a little more pepper in a big bowl Mix thoroughly until evenly blended so every bite is creamy and green

Layer the Base:

Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of your casserole pan Just enough to lightly coat the surface so the noodles do not stick Arrange four cooked lasagna noodles evenly to fit snugly in the pan Slightly overlap the edges to keep the structure intact

First Layer of Meat Sauce:

Using a gentle hand spread about one cup of meat mixture sparingly over the noodles Aim for even coverage without overloading This gives you space for the next layers without making the lasagna too dense

Build More Layers:

Add another layer of noodles Press slightly to remove any gaps Top with a bit more meat sauce then place a generous amount of mozzarella slices all across this layer Cover with more noodles and press again

Create the Spinach Cheese Layer:

Spread all the spinach cottage cheese mixture evenly over the new layer of noodles Use a spatula to firmly press it and keep the layers neat Top with another noodle layer making sure the edges do not curl up

Final Meat Sauce and Cheese:

Top your last layer of noodles with the remainder of the meat sauce Again spread it sparingly but evenly Cover generously with more mozzarella slices for a cheesy golden top

Bake or Freeze:

If freezing for later wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly and label it so you remember the date Bake straight from frozen at 350 degrees for about two to two and a half hours until bubbly If baking right away put the casserole in a preheated 350F oven for about seventy five minutes Watch until the cheese just starts turning golden and everything is bubbling Cover loosely with foil if you notice browning too quickly

Portion and Store Leftovers:

Once cooled slice into individual portions Wrap tightly If freezing leftovers label each with the date These make excellent makeahead lunches or quick dinners

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My favorite ingredient to play with is the deeply browned beef as it anchors all the layers with rich savory notes There is something magical about assembling lasagna side by side with family each person claiming their favorite layer or sneaking extra cheese between the noodles

Storage Tips

After baking let your lasagna cool completely before wrapping portions Wrap well in foil or plastic wrap and store leftovers in the fridge up to four days For freezing cut individual slices and double wrap to prevent freezer burn Reheat straight from frozen in the oven or microwave for a quick and hearty meal

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a twist swap ground turkey for the beef for a lighter profile You can opt for ricotta instead of cottage cheese if that is more your taste Add mushrooms or zucchini to the meat sauce for an extra veg boost If you cannot find fresh mozzarella a good pre shredded mozzarella will still melt beautifully

Serving Suggestions

Pair a generous square of this lasagna with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a perfectly balanced meal It is also wonderful alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a tangy vinaigrette based slaw For special gatherings serve with a bold red wine and finish the meal with fresh berries for contrast

A Bit of Canadian Lasagna History

While lasagna’s roots are Italian each Canadian kitchen puts their own spin on this classic This version honors the hearty home style lasagna recipes that have become favorites at potlucks and Sunday suppers across the country It is a dish that connects generations and builds family traditions

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Savor a slice and share it with loved ones—Canadian lasagna is all about feeding the soul and bringing everyone together at the table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What cheeses are used in this dish?

This classic uses cottage cheese for the spinach filling and plenty of sliced mozzarella for layering and topping, resulting in a creamy and melty finish.

→ Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers, wrap tightly, and freeze for baking later; adjust baking time to ensure even heating from frozen.

→ How do I keep the dish from getting watery?

Drain and wring the thawed spinach thoroughly before mixing to remove excess moisture, ensuring a firmer baked texture.

→ Are leftovers freezer-friendly?

Yes, cool, portion, and tightly wrap leftovers before freezing. Individual servings make for convenient future meals.

→ What can I serve alongside?

This lasagna pairs well with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.