Description
Classic Cheesy Lasagna
Ingredients
:
For the Meat Sauce:
500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste
For Layering:
9 lasagna sheets (no-boil or pre-cooked)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened.
Stir in marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom.
Place 3 lasagna sheets over the sauce, followed by a layer of the ricotta mixture, more meat sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve and Enjoy:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
This hearty lasagna is a perfect comfort dish, layered with rich flavors and gooey cheese! Serve it with garlic bread for an extra treat.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for perfect layering. After browning the meat and making the ricotta mixture, focus on assembly. Spread a thin layer of sauce in your 9×13 inch dish to prevent sticking. Add your first layer of noodles. Spread about half of the ricotta mixture directly onto the noodles using a spatula; this is easier than dolloping. Add a third of the meat sauce, then a third of the mozzarella. Repeat: noodles, remaining ricotta, sauce, mozzarella. For the final layer, add the last noodles, the remaining meat sauce, and the final, generous layer of mozzarella. This structured approach ensures every bite is balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Let the baked lasagna rest for a full 10-15 minutes; this allows the layers to set for clean slices. Serve with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty focaccia are classic pairings. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli work wonderfully. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze beautifully for up to three months.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Brown beef, add aromatics and marinara to create a meat sauce. 2) Blend ricotta, Parmesan, and egg for the cheese layer. 3) In a baking dish, layer in this order: meat sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, meat sauce, mozzarella. Repeat. 4) Finish with a top layer of mozzarella. 5) Bake covered for 25 min at 180°C, then uncovered for 10-15 min until golden. 6) Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil? Yes, but you must boil them first until al dente, then pat dry to prevent a watery lasagna.
How can I make this vegetarian? Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Why is my lasagna watery? This is often due to wet ingredients. Ensure your meat sauce is thick and simmered down, and if using fresh ricotta, drain it in a cheesecloth first.
Can I assemble it ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time when cooking from cold.
What’s a good substitute for ricotta? Cottage cheese (blended smooth) or béchamel sauce are excellent traditional alternatives that change the texture but are equally delicious.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not seasoning each component: Taste and season your meat sauce and ricotta mixture separately before assembling.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting in too soon causes the layers to slide apart.
- Using too much sauce between layers: This can make the noodles soggy. Thin, even layers are key.
- Overloading the top with cheese too early: The final mozzarella layer is added at the beginning; baking covered first prevents it from burning.
Conclusion
Mastering this classic cheesy lasagna is about technique as much as ingredients. By following the detailed layering guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and allowing proper resting time, you’ll create a stunning, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. This versatile dish supports customization, so feel free to adapt it to your tastes. With the provided make-ahead tips and serving suggestions, you have a reliable recipe for both busy weeknights and special gatherings. Enjoy the rich, comforting results of your homemade effort.