Description
Hearty beef lasagna offers layers of comfort and flavor from Italy’s rich culinary tradition. Melted cheese, robust meat sauce, and tender pasta sheets combine for a satisfying meal that welcomes friends to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Tomato and Seasoning Components:
- 1 can (28 ounces/794 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for meat sauce creation.
- Add ground beef and sauté until thoroughly browned, using a spoon to break up chunks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Incorporate finely chopped onions and cook until translucent and softened.
- Add minced garlic and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, then season with dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients thoroughly.
- Allow sauce to simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring periodically to develop rich, deep flavors.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, and seasonings. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then carefully drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for assembly and baking.
- Create a thin sauce base in a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer lasagna noodles across the sauce, creating the first structural foundation.
- Spread ricotta mixture evenly over noodles, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese to add creamy texture and richness.
- Repeat layering process (sauce, noodles, ricotta, mozzarella) until ingredients are exhausted, finishing with a mozzarella cheese crown.
- Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and continue baking 20-25 minutes until cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
- Allow lasagna to rest 10-15 minutes for structural stability before slicing.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for visual appeal and added flavor.
Notes
- Pick lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna base.
- Allow meat sauce to simmer longer for deeper, richer flavor development.
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and save cooking time.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or zucchini slices.
- Enhance protein content by mixing ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Prepare sauce and ricotta mixture a day ahead to intensify flavors and reduce day-of cooking stress.
- Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for convenient future meals.
- Create vegetarian version by replacing meat with roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 287 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg