Description
This hearty and comforting lasagna combines savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s the perfect dish to unwind with after a busy day, offering rich flavors and satisfying layers. The blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, combined with the cheesy filling, creates a truly indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles (cooked according to package instructions)
- 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until browned and tender. Drain excess fat. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley in a medium bowl.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer 3 noodles over the sauce, then 1/3 ricotta mixture and 1/3 mozzarella. Top with 1/3 meat sauce. Repeat layers, ending with meat sauce and topping with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cover with foil (sprayed to prevent sticking). Bake for 25 minutes, uncover and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer flavor.
- You can prepare the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
- Freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg