Description
Indulge in layers of rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella in this classic Cheesy Meat Lasagna. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- Cook the Beef and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, basil, salt, fennel seeds, black pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Boil the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
- Mix Ricotta and Egg: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the egg and mix until well blended.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with 4 lasagna noodles, half of the ricotta mixture, a third of the mozzarella, and a third of the Parmesan. Repeat the layers and finish with meat sauce topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover and Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove Foil and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let the Lasagna Rest: Allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into pieces and enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade lasagna!
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- Freezing: Lasagna can be frozen before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding layers of sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour