Name: Traditional Canadian Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 2 cups (500 mL) homemade tomato sauce; 2 pounds (1 kg) ground beef; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Salt, to taste; 1 litre cottage cheese; 1 (500 g) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and thoroughly strained; 4 eggs; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup homemade tomato sauce; Prepared Meat Filling; Prepared Spinach Filling; 650 g mozzarella cheese, sliced; 16 lasagna noodles, cooked

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like home with every bite, you simply have to try Traditional Canadian Lasagna. This beloved casserole brings together rich beef, vibrant spinach, creamy cheese, and perfectly tender noodles basked under a blanket of gooey mozzarella. Designed for make-ahead ease or family gatherings, each forkful offers hearty layers that remind you just why this Canadian classic always takes center stage at the dinner table.

Traditional Canadian Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to a memorable Traditional Canadian Lasagna is simple, honest ingredients—no fancy shortcuts, just real food that comes together for layers of unbeatable flavor. Each component brings something special, from savory beef to velvety cottage cheese and ribbons of golden mozzarella. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Homemade tomato sauce (2½ cups): This is the soul of the dish, delivering brightness and a touch of sweetness. Homemade or your favorite jarred sauce works equally well.
Ground beef (2 pounds/1 kg): The robust, meaty foundation that brings heartiness to every bite—don’t skimp!
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fresh garlic wakes up the sauce with aroma and warmth.
Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste: These add balance and let those rich beefy flavors really shine.
Cottage cheese (1 litre): The classic Canadian twist for a creamy, tangy layer instead of heavier ricotta.
Frozen chopped spinach (500g box), thawed and strained well: Adds gorgeous color and earthy flavor, plus a nutrition boost.
Eggs (4): Help the spinach and cottage cheese filling set with the perfect texture.
Freshly ground black pepper: A little extra for the cheese filling—you can’t go wrong.
Lasagna noodles (16, cooked): The backbone that holds the layers together; cook until just tender for perfect texture after baking.
Mozzarella cheese (650g, sliced): Melts into bubbling, golden deliciousness on top and between layers for ultimate comfort.

How to Make Traditional Canadian Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Once you have a nice golden brown on the beef, add in the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this brings a beautiful, fresh aroma. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then combine 4 cups of the cooked beef with 2 cups of homemade tomato sauce. Mix until well incorporated, and set this saucy, fragrant filling aside.

Step 2: Mix the Spinach Filling

Take your thawed frozen spinach and give it a thorough squeeze inside a clean, thick tea towel. You want every drop of liquid out, so your lasagna holds together and isn’t watery. Once it’s good and dry, combine it in a big bowl with the cottage cheese, eggs, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until everything’s well mixed—you’ll see a beautiful green and white swirl that promises lightness in every bite.

Step 3: Build the Layers

In your 11 x 13-inch casserole dish, spread a very light coating (about ½ cup) of homemade tomato sauce—it will look a bit sparse, but trust the process. Place four cooked lasagna noodles on top, covering the sauce. Now, gently scatter 1 cup of the meat sauce over the noodles. Continue layering: add four more noodles, another sparse layer (about 1 ¼ cups) of meat sauce, and then a generous blanket of mozzarella cheese slices. Layer again with four more noodles, and now add all of your cottage cheese and spinach filling, spreading it right to the edges.

Step 4: Finish with Final Layers

After the spinach and cheese layer, top with the last four noodles. Then, spoon over the remaining meat sauce (about 1½ cups), making sure to distribute it as evenly as you can. Finish with another hearty layer of mozzarella cheese slices for that show-stopping golden topping. If your pan allows, you can sneak in another noodle and sauce layer—just make sure cheese is the crowning glory!

Step 5: Bake or Freeze for Later

If you’re not baking right away, wrap your Traditional Canadian Lasagna tightly with plastic wrap, label, and freeze. If you’re baking fresh, preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until the top is bubbly and starting to brown. To keep it from over-browning, tent foil loosely over the top as it bakes. Whether you pull it hot from the oven or heat it from frozen, that delicious aroma will have everyone ready at the table.

How to Serve Traditional Canadian Lasagna

Garnishes

For a fresh, vibrant touch, shower the hot lasagna with chopped parsley or fresh basil just before serving. You can also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra savory depth—just what a classic like Traditional Canadian Lasagna deserves.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself but shines brightest next to a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. Don’t forget a basket of warm garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce—no one will want to leave a drop behind!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to amp up the wow factor, try baking individual servings in smaller ramekins for a dinner party, or cut the baked lasagna into perfect squares and stack them artfully on plates. A drizzle of pesto or a scattering of microgreens adds color and a delicious twist to your Traditional Canadian Lasagna presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Traditional Canadian Lasagna in airtight containers in the fridge. Well-wrapped, it will stay fresh, flavorful, and ready to reheat for up to four days—meaning tomorrow’s lunch just got even more exciting!

Freezing

This recipe is perfect for freezing. You can wrap the entire unbaked or baked lasagna tightly in plastic and foil, label, and freeze for busy weeks ahead. For convenience, you can also slice leftovers into individual portions, wrap, and freeze them separately—ideal for quick single-serve meals.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop a thawed or frozen slice (or the whole lasagna) in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese is bubbling. Cover lightly with foil if needed to avoid browning the cheese too much. The result is just as creamy and satisfying as the day you first baked it.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just chop and wilt about a pound of fresh spinach, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing with the other filling ingredients. The color and flavor will be even more vibrant in your Traditional Canadian Lasagna.

What kind of cottage cheese works best?

Full-fat cottage cheese yields the creamiest, richest filling, but low-fat or reduced-fat cottage cheese works in a pinch. Just drain off any excess liquid to keep your filling light and set.

Can I assemble this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble your Traditional Canadian Lasagna up to two days in advance, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone at your table can dig in.

How do I prevent the top from over-browning?

If you notice the cheese on top getting too dark before the lasagna is bubbling, loosely tent the dish with foil. This keeps the cheese perfectly melted and golden while the inside cooks through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy flavors and family tradition, you can’t beat a pan of Traditional Canadian Lasagna. It’s hearty, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious whether you serve it fresh, freeze for later, or simply sneak another piece from the fridge. Give this recipe a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a classic to treasure and share!