Description
Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna:
1 lb ground beef
9-12 lasagna noodles
1 jar marinara sauce
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread Rolls:
6 dinner rolls
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley
(chopped)
Instructions:
Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in marinara sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles on top, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, then more meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan on top. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Make the Garlic Bread Rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in minced garlic and parsley. Brush the mixture onto the dinner rolls and bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown.
Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Plate the lasagna with garlic bread rolls on the side.
A hearty, cheesy lasagna paired with soft, garlicky bread rolls makes the perfect comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed sequence for perfect assembly. After browning the beef and simmering the sauce, let it cool slightly to prevent cooking the egg in the ricotta mixture. For assembly, use a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start with sauce to prevent sticking. Layer in this order: sauce, noodles, all of the ricotta mixture, sauce, mozzarella. Repeat noodles, sauce, mozzarella. The top layer should be a generous amount of cheese for optimal browning.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the baked lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes; this lets the layers set for cleaner slices. Serve each portion with two warm garlic bread rolls. For a complete meal, pair with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
This meal involves three key preparations: a meaty marinara sauce, a creamy ricotta-Parmesan filling, and buttery garlic rolls. Assemble the lasagna in a baking dish with alternating layers of noodles, sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella. Bake at 375°F until golden. Simultaneously, brush garlic butter on rolls and bake until warm and fragrant. Rest the lasagna briefly before serving together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes. Ensure your sauce has a little extra liquid and spread it evenly. The noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce and cheeses during baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Yes. Italian sausage, ground turkey, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Why did my lasagna turn out watery? This is often due to ricotta that is too wet or sauce that is too thin. Let the meat sauce simmer to thicken, and consider draining excess liquid from the ricotta before mixing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: Cook noodles to al dente; they will soften further during baking.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart.
- Using cold ricotta mixture: Adding it directly to hot meat sauce can cause curdling.
- Underseasoning the layers: Taste your meat sauce and ricotta mixture before assembling.
- Burning the garlic: When making garlic butter, melt butter gently to avoid browning the minced garlic, which makes it bitter.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef Lasagna with Garlic Bread Rolls is a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that is straightforward to master. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can create a perfectly layered, flavorful dish every time. The combination of rich, meaty lasagna and aromatic, buttery rolls offers the ultimate comfort food experience, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests. Enjoy the delicious results of your homemade feast.