My Maw-Maw’s lasagna recipe has a few surprising ingredients that likely make it a bit different from the one you grew up with, but it is so delicious. You have to make some for dinner soon!
The lasagna I grew up with has a few unexpected ingredients, but it is so good. There is a reason why my family keeps coming back to it after all of these years anyway. Make a pan full of my Maw-Maw’s Velveeta lasagna for a perfect comfort food dinner.
Most people in the Midwest grow up with their mom making lasagna one of two ways:
- With ricotta
- With cottage cheese
I grew up having neither in my lasagna! MiMi made lasagna completely different and she learned to make it that way from Maw-Maw.
So get ready to be shocked, amazed or possibly horrified. No matter what, just promise you will give it a try!
Are you dying to know what the secret filling is? I guess I can let you in on the family secret.
Maw-Maw uses Velveeta cheese in her lasagna!
I know, I know. I’ll give you a minute to digest that.
Ready?
Ready now?
Ok. Now sit down for this. I know you are in a fragile state already, I don’t want this next part to do you in.
Instead of Italian sausage, she uses ground beef.
Yep, you read that right.
A ground beef and Velveeta cheese lasagna, and it is AMAZING! You just have to give it a try.
This was always one of my favorite dinners growing up. It was usually a birthday or special occasion dinner and everyone loved it.
As the years went on, I became the chief lasagna maker, a role I was happy to take. I always loved helping in the kitchen.
Now I make a variety of lasagnas, but there is always a special place in my heart for this one.
My husband, who thinks his mom’s lasagna is pretty much the only one that deserves to go by the name of lasagna, was even a fan!
What are you waiting for? Give it a try already!
More great lasagna variations:
One Pot Skillet Lasagna gives you the flavor of lasagna without the layers, so it is quicker and easier.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a super fun game day inspired twist on lasagna. It is sure to surprise your family.
Tex Mex Lasagna mixes the flavors of the south together with layers of lasagna.
Chicken broccoli Alfredo lasagna is a creamy white lasagna. It has everything you love about fettucine Alfredo baked into a lasagna form.
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!
If you like this, you may also like the recipe for cheese stuffed chicken Parmesan meatloaf. It is loaded with melted cheese and marinara goodness.
Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!
Velveeta Lasagna
My Maw-Maw’s lasagna has a few surprising ingredients that likely make it a bit different from the one you grew up with, but it is so delicious. You have to make some for dinner soon!
Ingredients
- 2 jars spaghetti sauce
- 1 pound lasagna noodles, cooked to al dente and drained
- 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
- 12 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Velveeta (or similar), sliced
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish
- Start by spreading 1/2 of a jar of sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of pasta over the sauce. Overlap the noodles to keep distinct layers.
- Next, layer 1/2 of a jar of sauce, half the meat and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Make another layer of pasta followed by slices of Velveeta.
- More pasta, 1/2 jar of sauce, the rest of the meat and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Top with the last layer of pasta, 1/2 jar of sauce and remaining cup of mozzarella.
- Cover with foil and bake for an hour. Remove the foil when there is about 10 minutes left and sprinkle on the Parmesan. Return to the oven to finish the baking time.
- Let sit for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please view my disclosure page for more information.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 386Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 857mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 26g
All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.
Brenda
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
Have you ever made this into lasagna roll ups?
Carlee
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
I haven't, but that would be fun to try!
Jane
Saturday 24th of September 2022
This is the lasagna of my childhood, too. Velveeta was the secret for sure. I've tried it with Cheez Whiz, but definitely the Velveeta is the right way. Such a great comfort food!
Carlee
Saturday 24th of September 2022
Isn't it amazing? Cheez Whiz would be fun to try too, but there is just something about Velveeta.
Mary Lou
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
This seems like a dumb question, but I have never tried to make any kind of lasagna because we don’t like cottage cheese…. But I assume you cook the ground beef before layering? Recipe doesn’t say.
Carlee
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
Thanks for asking, I will try to clarify that in the recipe card. I do cook the ground beef before layering. I hope you enjoy the lasagna!
Sheila
Sunday 20th of February 2022
Can you use oven ready lasagna noodles
Carlee
Sunday 20th of February 2022
Yes, we've made it both ways!
Bosco
Tuesday 28th of May 2019
My family always used swiss cheese, cream cheese and parmesan in their lasagna. it's probably an odd combination of cheeses but it's delicious and everybody who has tried it has loved it. it's easy to make and the homemade sauce is simple and flavorful too.
Carlee
Saturday 8th of June 2019
That is definitely a different combination of cheeses, but I'd love to try it!