Description
Discover the comforting classic taste of Italian-American cuisine with this hearty and cheesy baked beef lasagna. Layers of tender noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta blend, and melted mozzarella come together in a satisfying main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Noodles and Meat Sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture and Toppings
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente; once done, drain and set them aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add ground beef (or beef and Italian sausage mixture) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the skillet. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld flavors.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and well blended. This mixture will add creamy texture to your lasagna layers.
- Assemble Lasagna: Spread 1/2 cup of the prepared meat sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 cooked noodles over the sauce layer. Top noodles with one-third of the ricotta mixture, followed by 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and one-third of the remaining meat sauce. Repeat this layering process two more times, ending with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to let it set and make serving easier. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired to add a fresh touch.
Notes
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen before baking for convenience.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the layers for extra vegetables and enhanced flavor.
- Use a combination of beef and Italian sausage for a richer meat sauce.
- Ensure noodles are drained well to avoid watery lasagna.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
