Description
Classic Italian lasagna blends robust meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and layered pasta sheets into a comforting meal. Hearty ingredients and traditional techniques create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, bowtie, or any short pasta)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for sauteing)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal baking environment for the lasagna casserole.
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature. Sauté chopped onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce ground beef or sausage to the skillet, browning the meat completely. Carefully drain any accumulated fat.
- Infuse the meat with marinara sauce, incorporating diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop rich flavors for 10 minutes.
- Create a creamy ricotta blend by whisking ricotta cheese, egg, and half the Parmesan until smooth and well-integrated.
- Construct layered casserole by spreading half the cooked pasta across the bottom of the dish. Top with half the meat sauce and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layering process to build depth of flavor.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and remaining Parmesan across the top layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbles enthusiastically.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that keeps protein levels high.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium marinara sauce and cutting salt quantity in half for heart-healthy diets.
- Try gluten-free pasta options like chickpea or zucchini noodles to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and assemble quickly for a stress-free weeknight dinner that saves precious cooking minutes.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 435 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg