Description
Layers of rich Italian cheesy meat lasagna invite comfort and warmth with each savory bite. Classic flavors meld perfectly, promising a delicious meal that connects family and friends around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Tomato Base:
- 1 (28 ounces/794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta and Cheese:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 16 ounces (454 grams) ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cups (270 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup (75 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Create a robust meat sauce by browning ground beef with onions and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat, draining any excess fat.
- Enhance the sauce with crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, sugar, and aromatic herbs like basil, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, and parsley.
- Simmer the sauce on low heat for approximately 90 minutes, stirring periodically to develop deep, rich flavors.
- Simultaneously, prepare lasagna noodles according to package directions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with egg until smooth and well-integrated.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Begin layering in a 9×13-inch baking dish by spreading a thin base of meat sauce to prevent sticking.
- Construct alternating layers: noodles, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan, repeating until ingredients are nearly depleted.
- Conclude the final layer with meat sauce, generously topped with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to trap moisture and ensure even heating.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges become bubbly.
- Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to settle and making cutting easier.
- Slice into portions and serve hot, revealing the beautiful layered composition of this classic Italian dish.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier lasagna base.
- Allow meat sauce to simmer slowly, which helps develop deeper, richer flavor profiles and tenderizes ingredients.
- Slightly undercook lasagna noodles during boiling since they’ll continue cooking in the oven, preventing potential mushiness.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure consistent taste and texture throughout each slice of lasagna.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg