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Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe

Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

A Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe that combines rich flavors, creamy layers, and tender noodles for a comforting meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Noodles
  • 9 pieces Lasagna Noodles Use dry noodles or fresh pasta sheets as a substitute.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can be substituted with vegetable or canola oil.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Ensure cooked until browned; option to swap for turkey or chicken.
  • 1 piece Onion (finely chopped) Yellow onion works best; can be replaced with shallots.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic preferred; garlic powder is a substitute.
  • 24 ounces Tomato Sauce Homemade or store-bought can be used.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Substitute with pureed tomatoes if preferred.
  • to taste Salt Consider low-sodium options or herbs.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (finely chopped) Basil or spinach can be alternatives.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese or mascarpone for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded) Whole milk mozzarella preferred; options for provolone or dairy-free cheese.
  • ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Pecorino Romano for stronger flavor or omit for dairy-free.
  • 1 piece Egg (beaten) A flax egg can substitute for a vegan option.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Classic Easy Meat Lasagna Recipe
  1. Step 1: Prepare Noodles - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 9 dry lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Make Meat Sauce - In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté until softened. Add 1 pound of ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, salt, and parsley. Simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Mix Cheese - In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, ¼ cup grated parmesan, 1 beaten egg, and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley. Mix thoroughly until creamy.
  4. Step 4: Assemble Lasagna - In a baking dish, layer cooked noodles, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella, repeating until all layers are used, finishing with noodles and meat sauce topped with mozzarella.
  5. Step 5: Bake - Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  6. Step 6: Rest - Remove from the oven and let sit for 10-15 minutes before slicing for easier serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Use thin and even layers for optimal cooking. Allow resting period to help set the lasagna, preventing loss of structure.

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