Description
Homemade beef lasagna emerges as a classic Italian comfort dish packed with rich layers of pasta, ground beef, and melted cheese. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles
- 24 oz (680g) marinara sauce
- 15 oz (425g) ricotta cheese
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup red wine (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, chopped (optional)
- 1 small zucchini, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup provolone cheese, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions, ensuring they are al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes.
- Pour marinara sauce into the meat mixture. Incorporate tomato paste, dried oregano, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Optional ingredients like red wine or sliced mushrooms can enhance the sauce’s depth.
- Simmer sauce on low heat for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with beaten egg and grated parmesan until smooth and well-combined.
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C). Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a rectangular baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create layers by arranging noodles, spreading ricotta mixture, adding meat sauce, and sprinkling mozzarella. Repeat layering process, ensuring final top layer is mozzarella cheese.
- Cover lasagna with aluminum foil, creating a tent to prevent cheese from sticking. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows layers to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Slice into rectangular portions and enjoy.
Notes
- Slightly undercook lasagna noodles since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy texture.
- Pat ground beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect caramelization and enhance meat flavor.
- Ensure ricotta mixture is well-blended to create creamy, uniform layers throughout lasagna.
- Assemble lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 468 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 573 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 104 mg