Introduction:
Embark on a culinary journey with our Classic Ground Beef Lasagna – a beloved comfort dish that brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the richness of tomato sauce, and the comforting layers of pasta and cheese. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this lasagna promises to fill your home with the aroma of Italian goodness. Get ready to savor the essence of homemade comfort!
Why We Love This Recipe:
✔️ Hearty Ground Beef: A robust filling that adds depth and flavor to each bite. ✔️ Layered Goodness: Pasta, cheese, and savory sauce create a symphony of textures. ✔️ Crowd-Pleaser: A timeless classic that brings joy to every diner.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 3 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top.
- Spoon half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly.
- Repeat the layers: meat sauce, noodles, remaining ricotta mixture.
- Top with the remaining meat sauce and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes:
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat in the meat sauce.
- Make sure to fully cook the lasagna noodles before assembling to achieve the perfect texture.
FAQs: Q: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? A: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef? A: Certainly! Customize the filling with your preferred ground meat for a unique twist.