Description
Layers of Italian culinary magic define this classic lasagna recipe, promising a comforting journey through rich pasta perfection. Melted cheese, hearty meat sauce, and delicate noodles combine to create a memorable meal that brings family and friends together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Protein and Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta:
- 8 lasagna noodles
Cheese and Dairy:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a delectable Italian feast.
- Boil lasagna noodles until perfectly tender, then carefully drain and set aside to cool.
- In a sizzling skillet, transform ground beef into a rich, golden brown mixture with aromatic onions and garlic, cooking over medium heat. Eliminate excess grease thoroughly.
- Infuse the meat with robust marinara sauce, enhancing with delicate salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 5 minutes, developing deep flavors.
- Create a creamy cheese blend by mixing ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a spacious mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
- Craft the lasagna layers with precision:
Coat the 9×13-inch baking dish with a whisper-thin marinara base.
Arrange the first layer of noodles, creating a sturdy foundation.
Generously spread half the cheese mixture across the noodles.
Cascade half the remaining marinara sauce over the cheese.
Repeat the layering process with remaining noodles, cheese, and sauce.
Crown the masterpiece with a blanket of shredded mozzarella.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil, then bake for 30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Unveil the lasagna, removing the foil, and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling landscape.
- Exercise patience by letting the lasagna rest for 10 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and intensify in flavor before serving.
Notes
- Select high-quality ground beef with a moderate fat content for richer flavor and juicier texture.
- Allow lasagna noodles to cool slightly before layering to prevent them from sticking together and tearing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for better melting and more authentic taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Enhance the sauce’s depth by adding a splash of red wine or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano and basil during simmering.
- Create a vegetarian option by replacing meat with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and spinach.
- Prep the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate before baking to allow flavors to meld and develop more complexity.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg