Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this classic Beef Lasagna, layering rich marinara, tender pasta, and melted cheese into a comforting Italian masterpiece. Hearty flavors and creamy textures invite you to savor each delicious bite of this timeless family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef (lean)
- 1 large egg
Dairy:
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Base and Seasoning:
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.25 cup fresh basil (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking into small crumbles and removing excess fat.
- Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the beef. Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Whisk ricotta cheese with egg and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading a thin coating of meat sauce across the bottom.
- Layer lasagna noodles over the sauce, ensuring complete coverage of the bottom surface.
- Spread a generous portion of ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Repeat layering process: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, continuing until ingredients are used.
- Finish the top layer with meat sauce and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set and enhance flavor integration before serving.
Notes
- Prevent dry noodles by slightly undercooking them, as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor depth, chopping them finely and sprinkling on top before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, replace traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta sheets, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Control portion sizes and reduce calories by using lean ground beef, part-skim ricotta, and reducing cheese quantity without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg