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Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection!

Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Deliciousness

Best Lasagna Recipe: Hearty Beef & Cheese Perfection! A comforting and customizable dish perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Can substitute with Italian sausage.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white preferred.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is preferred.
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes Can substitute with whole or diced tomatoes.
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Can use tomato puree.
  • 6 ounces Tomato Paste No substitute recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Brown sugar can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh variants can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Fresh variants can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
  • 1 cup Water or Broth Broth adds more flavor.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 large Egg Can be omitted for vegan version.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Nutritional yeast can be used as dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Can substitute with individual herbs.
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 12 sheets Lasagna Noodles Oven-ready noodles can be used.
  • 4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Fresh is best for melting.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Optional garnish.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • pot for boiling noodles

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until soft, about 3-5 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste, then add oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 20-30 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay flat on a clean towel.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of beef sauce on the bottom. Layer noodles over the sauce, followed by a spread of the ricotta mixture and then shredded mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with mozzarella on top.
  6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with a salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For optimal melting, use freshly shredded mozzarella cheese and be careful not to overcook the noodles.

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