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Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe: A Family Favorite Delight

This Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe is a delightful, comforting Italian dish, perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Layer
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Use no-cook lasagna noodles if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use vegetable oil.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ground turkey or vegetarian meat alternatives can be used.
  • 1 cup Onion Finely chopped; shallots can be substituted for milder taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Garlic Minced; substitutable with garlic powder (1 teaspoon).
  • 3 cups Tomato Sauce Use crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can use more tomato sauce if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste based on preference or dietary needs.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; basil or oregano could add different notes.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can be used for a lighter option.
  • 1.5 cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded; use low-moisture mozzarella for best melt.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated; Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • 1 Egg Beaten; omit for a dairy-free version or use a flax egg.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch casserole dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the lasagna noodles, cooking according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set them aside as you prepare the meat sauce.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned, around 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, paste, salt, and half of the chopped parsley, simmering for 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, and the remaining parsley. Mix until well blended and creamy.
  4. In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a layer of noodles at the bottom, followed by a generous portion of meat sauce, then a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat sauce and sprinkling the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes to allow the cheese to brown.
  6. Once baked, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the layers to set for easier slicing. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Using high-quality ingredients and letting the lasagna rest after baking enhances flavor and texture.

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