Lasagna
A comforting Italian dish with layers of pasta, savory meat, and rich cheese, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Use no-boil noodles for a simpler preparation.
- 4 cups Tomato Sauce Homemade or store-bought—check for no added sugar.
Cheese Mixture
- 1.5 cups Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can work as a substitute.
- 1 large Egg Optional, but it helps bind the ricotta mixture.
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese Shredded, mix with provolone for a zesty kick.
- 0.5 cups Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free alternative.
Meat and Seasoning
- 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey or lentils.
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced for aromatic depth.
- 0.25 cups Fresh Basil Or use dried for convenience.
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- Salt and Pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat and add minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg (if using), half the mozzarella, basil, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Assembly
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer meat sauce, noodles, and the ricotta mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles topped with remaining meat sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Baking
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Consider adding sautéed veggies for a healthier twist. This lasagna can be prepped in advance and freezes well.