Description
A comforting dish of layered pasta, savory meat, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese perfect for family dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef/half Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz (680 g) marinara or crushed tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella, plus 1 cup for topping
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook regular lasagna noodles according to package directions if using; drain and lay flat.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet, breaking it up and browning until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add tomato sauce and tomato paste (if using). Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, egg, 1 cup mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lay 3-4 noodles across the bottom. Spread 1/3 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then 1/3 of the meat sauce, and a light layer of mozzarella. Repeat layers two more times. Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.
Notes
For best results, allow the lasagna to rest before slicing. Substitute ingredients as desired for dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 85mg