Description
This Classic Beef Lasagna is a comforting Italian favorite featuring layers of tender lasagna noodles, rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden bubbly finish, this hearty dish is ideal for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 ounces tomato sauce
- 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (half for mixture, half for topping)
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna later.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes to develop flavor.
- Mix Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Layer the Lasagna: In a baking dish, start by spreading a layer of the meat sauce evenly across the bottom.
- Add Noodles and Fillings: Place a layer of cooked noodles over the meat sauce, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a top layer of meat sauce and shredded mozzarella.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the assembled lasagna.
- Bake: Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set properly.
Notes
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente to prevent mushy layers after baking.
- You can prepare the meat sauce a day in advance and refrigerate for deeper flavor development.
- For easier slicing, let the lasagna rest after baking to firm up.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for variation.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture if preferred, though shredded works well.
