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Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe

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Easy Beef Lasagna Recipe: This classic Italian dish features layers of rich meat sauce made with ground beef, tomatoes, and herbs, creamy ricotta mixture, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Simple to prepare and perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meat Sauce:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Ricotta Mixture:

  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lasagna:

  • 12 lasagna noodles
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Meat Sauce:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
    • Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened.
    • Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
    • Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
    • In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
    • Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Assemble the Lasagna:
    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    • Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
    • Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
    • Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
    • Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
    • Repeat the layers (meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and a generous topping of mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake the Lasagna:
    • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
    • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Serve:
    • Let the lasagna cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
    • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach.
  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the lasagna and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://avarecipes.com/easy-beef-lasagna-recipe/