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Easy Lasagna Recipe

Easy Lasagna Recipe: Comforting Layers Your Family Will Love

This Easy Lasagna Recipe features hearty layers of meat sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender noodles, making it a family favorite for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitution: Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • 1 pound Sweet Italian Sausage Substitution: Use spicy sausage for a kick or omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 Diced Onion Cooked until translucent for optimal sweetness.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic
  • 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar Keep or adjust based on taste preference.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Basil
  • Fresh Parsley & Dried Basil Substitution: Use Italian seasoning for a mixed herb flavor.
  • Fennel Seeds Optional; contribute a unique flavor reminiscent of anise.
  • Salt & Black Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the Cheese Layer
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Substitution: Cottage cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Parmesan Cheese Substitution: Grana Padano for a similar flavor profile.
For the Lasagna Noodles
  • 12 Lasagna Noodles The recipe calls for regular noodles but no-boil versions can be used if more liquid is added to the sauce.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and sweet Italian sausage, breaking it into pieces with a spatula. After about 8-10 minutes, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent.
  2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste, followed by sugar, dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Let the meat sauce simmer uncovered for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  3. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and spread them out on a baking tray to prevent sticking.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and fresh parsley along with a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce across the bottom. Begin layering with noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers, finishing with a layer of sauce and Parmesan.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
  7. Once baked, let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow assembled lasagna to cool completely before storing. For best results, assemble but do not bake if freezing.

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