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Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna: A Labor of Love

The aroma of simmering tomato sauce, rich with herbs and slow-cooked vegetables, is one of the most comforting scents imaginable. For me, that scent is inextricably linked to Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a memory steeped in warmth and shared meals, a culinary tradition passed down with love. I recall countless Sunday dinners where this lasagna was the undisputed star, its golden, bubbly top promising a symphony of flavors and textures within. The sheer effort it involves is a testament to the dedication Uncle Bill poured into every dish, making each bite a delicious reward for the patience and care invested.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes (plus resting time)
Servings: 20
Yield: 1 (10″ x 14″ x 2″) Lasagna
Dietary Type: Classic Italian-American

Ingredients

This magnificent lasagna calls for a generous array of fresh vegetables and quality pantry staples. Take your time gathering these, as their freshness will truly make a difference in the final dish.

For the Rich Tomato Sauce:

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 lb lean ground beef
2 medium onions, chopped small
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
6 large celery ribs, chopped small
2 large sweet red peppers, seeded and diced
2 large green peppers, seeded and diced
1 lb fresh button mushrooms, sliced
2 medium zucchini, chopped small (do not peel)
4 large carrots, peeled and grated
48 fluid ounces canned plum tomatoes, include liquid
28 fluid ounces canned tomato sauce
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
3 teaspoons dried oregano
3 teaspoons dried basil (or 4 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil)
6 large dried bay leaves
1 teaspoon white pepper
¼ teaspoon hot red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 cup dry red wine
16 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and chopped coarse

For the Creamy Filling:

2 cups cottage cheese (or 2 cups ricotta cheese)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For Assembly:

8 whole Ondine Delverde lasagna sheets (or 8 whole fresh lasagna sheets)
2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
(Optional) ½ cup grated Emmentaler Swiss cheese

Equipment Needed

Large frying pan or skillet
Large cooking pot or Dutch oven
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Grater
Heavy-duty aluminum foil baking dish (10″ x 14″ x 2″ deep)
Aluminum foil for covering

Instructions

Embarking on the creation of Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna is a culinary journey that rewards dedication with unparalleled flavor. This is a dish meant to be savored in its making, as much as in its eating.

Begin by preparing the foundation of our lasagna: the rich, savory tomato sauce. In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and fry until it is thoroughly cooked through, which should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes.
Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain off any excess fat and discard it.
Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the same frying pan. Introduce the chopped onions and finely chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Next, add the chopped celery, diced green and red peppers, sliced mushrooms, and chopped zucchini to the pan. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes.
Incorporate the grated carrots. Cover the pan and allow the carrots to cook until they are limp, which should take approximately 4 minutes.
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Transfer the entire vegetable and beef mixture from the frying pan to a large cooking pot or Dutch oven.
Add the canned plum tomatoes (including their liquid), canned tomato sauce, finely chopped fresh parsley, hot red pepper flakes, and ground allspice to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, simmer uncovered for a full 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
After 30 minutes of simmering, blend in the dry red wine. Continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the delightful creamy filling. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the thawed and chopped frozen spinach. Chop the spinach even finer to ensure it integrates smoothly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cottage cheese (or ricotta), 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the beaten egg, and ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix this filling thoroughly until well combined and set it aside.
Now, for the grand assembly! Preheat your oven to a robust 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230 degrees Celsius).
Select a 10″ x 14″ x 2″ deep, heavy-duty aluminum foil baking dish.
Begin by spreading about ½ inch of the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the bottom of the baking dish.
Carefully place enough lasagna sheets to create a single layer, covering the sauce. Press them lightly into the sauce.
Spoon another ½ inch layer of the prepared tomato sauce over the lasagna sheets.
Place another layer of lasagna sheets on top and press them lightly into the sauce.
Evenly distribute the prepared spinach filling over this layer of lasagna sheets. Level the filling with a spatula.
Place another layer of lasagna sheets over the spinach filling.
Spoon another ½ inch layer of the prepared tomato sauce over this new layer of sheets and level it.
Place a final layer of lasagna sheets and press them lightly into the sauce.
Spoon the remaining sauce over the top layer of lasagna sheets and level it to create an even surface.
Sprinkle the top generously with the 2 cups of grated mozzarella cheese.
Next, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the mozzarella.
If you desire an extra layer of nutty flavor, grate the ½ cup of Emmentaler Swiss cheese and sprinkle it over the top as well.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Ensure the foil does not touch the lasagna itself; you can create a tent with the foil if necessary.
Bake in the preheated 450°F (230°C) oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the baking dish.
Continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and golden brown.
Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven. Cover it loosely with foil and let it sit to set for about 5 minutes before cutting into it. This crucial step allows the layers to firm up, making for cleaner slices.
Cut the magnificent lasagna into generous pieces and serve hot.

A note on lasagna sheets: The recipe specifies Ondine Delverde lasagna sheets. These are a brand name, often found in packages containing 15 sheets, and some also come with 3 x 8″ x 8″ aluminum foil pans. These sheets are considered “no-boil” or pre-cooked and do not require any prior cooking. If you opt for fresh lasagna sheets, they also typically do not require pre-cooking. However, if you choose to use regular lasagna strips that require boiling, you will need to cook those according to their package directions before assembly.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Creating a truly memorable lasagna is about more than just following steps; it’s about understanding the nuances that elevate it from good to spectacular.

Vegetable Prep is Key: When chopping your onions, celery, peppers, and zucchini, aim for a small, uniform dice. This ensures they cook evenly and distribute their flavors beautifully throughout the sauce. Don’t be tempted to rush this part; the little pieces create a more integrated sauce.
Don’t Skimp on Simmer Time: That half-hour simmer for the sauce, with an additional 15 minutes after adding the wine, is non-negotiable. This slow cooking allows the vegetables to break down, the flavors to meld, and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. Patience here yields profound depth of flavor.
Squeeze the Spinach Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of a well-structured lasagna filling. Ensure you squeeze every last drop of water from the thawed spinach. A clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth works wonders for this.
Resting is Essential: That 5-minute resting period after baking is critical. It allows the lasagna to firm up, preventing it from falling apart when you cut into it. It’s a small step with a big impact on presentation and texture.
Cheese Variations: While the recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, don’t hesitate to experiment with other Italian cheeses. A touch of provolone, fontina, or even a mild gorgonzola can add exciting new dimensions of flavor. Just ensure they melt well.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. A crusty baguette is also perfect for sopping up any extra sauce on the plate.

For leftovers, this lasagna is a dream. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, individual slices can be gently warmed in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or for a quicker option, in the microwave, though the oven is preferable for maintaining texture. This lasagna also freezes exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Please note that this is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	227 kcal
Calories from Fat	108 kcal
Total Fat	12.1 g	18%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	41.7 mg	13%
Sodium	590 mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate	14.2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	3.8 g	15%
Sugars	7 g	27%
Protein	15.4 g	30%

Variations & Substitutions

While Uncle Bill’s recipe is near perfection, culinary creativity is always welcome.

Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef. You can boost the vegetable content further by adding finely chopped mushrooms, eggplant, or even spinach into the sauce itself.
Heartier Meat Sauce: If you prefer a meatier sauce, consider using a blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, or even finely diced pancetta rendered at the beginning with the onions.
Gluten-Free Lasagna: Substitute the traditional lasagna sheets with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to check the package instructions, as some gluten-free varieties require boiling.
Spicier Kick: For those who love heat, increase the hot red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Uncle Bill’s Lasagna ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q: What kind of onions are best for this recipe?
A: Yellow or white onions are ideal for their balanced flavor. Sweet onions can also be used for a slightly sweeter profile.

Q: My lasagna is watery. What did I do wrong?
A: This is often due to insufficient draining of the ground beef or not squeezing enough water from the spinach. Ensuring these steps are done thoroughly will prevent a watery lasagna.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
A: While fresh tomatoes can be used, canned plum tomatoes are often preferred for their consistent texture and concentrated flavor, which is ideal for a slow-simmered sauce.

Q: How do I know when the lasagna is fully cooked?
A: The lasagna is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. The noodles should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in a dish that takes time and effort, a palpable sense of care that translates directly to the palate. Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna is precisely that kind of culinary masterpiece. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, to engage your senses, and to create something truly memorable. When you gather your loved ones around the table to share this hearty, flavorful lasagna, you’re not just serving food; you’re sharing a piece of history, a testament to enduring love and delicious traditions. I encourage you to embrace the process, savor the aromas as they fill your kitchen, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite.

Uncle Bill’s Marvelous Lasagna Recipe