Description
Hearty Italian “Easy Beef Lasagna” brings layers of rich comfort straight from Mediterranean kitchens to dinner tables. Melted cheese, savory ground beef, and silky pasta sheets unite for a classic meal that welcomes friends around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 24 ounces (680 g) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta:
- 12 lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable layered Italian-inspired casserole.
- In a spacious skillet, transform raw ground beef and finely chopped onions over medium heat, browning the meat thoroughly and softening the aromatic vegetables.
- Elevate the skillet’s flavor profile by introducing dried oregano, essential seasoning, salt, and pepper, then cascade marinara sauce and water into the mixture, allowing it to simmer and meld for approximately 10 minutes.
- Craft a creamy binding mixture by whisking ricotta cheese with eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until achieving a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
- Create a foundational layer of meat sauce across the bottom of a rectangular baking vessel, ensuring complete coverage.
- Carefully arrange lasagna noodles across the sauce, creating a precise first structural layer of the dish.
- Generously distribute one-third of the ricotta blend over the noodles, followed by an even spread of mozzarella cheese, establishing the first intricate layer.
- Methodically replicate the layering process two additional times, strategically building depth and complexity, with the final layer showcasing a generous blanket of mozzarella.
- Envelop the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the developing flavors during initial baking.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Allow the lasagna to rest and stabilize for quarter of an hour, permitting the layers to set and intensify before serving.
Notes
- Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
- Consider adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and enhance the meat sauce’s complexity.
- Prepare lasagna ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal preparation more convenient.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg