Description
Classic Beef and Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients:
12 lasagna noodles
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp sugar
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the noodles: Boil the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and spinach. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by half of the ricotta mixture and a third of the mozzarella. Repeat the layers and finish with the remaining meat sauce and mozzarella.
Bake the lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy the cheesy, hearty goodness!
A perfect combination of savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella! This lasagna is a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a flawless lasagna. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped (onion chopped, garlic minced, spinach chopped). When boiling noodles, add a splash of oil to the water to prevent sticking and cook just until al dente, as they will soften further while baking. For the meat sauce, be sure to drain the beef thoroughly after browning to avoid a greasy final dish. Letting the sauce simmer is crucial for flavor development. When assembling, spread the ricotta-spinach mixture in dollops and gently smooth it to avoid displacing the noodles. The final layer of mozzarella should completely cover the sauce beneath for a perfect golden top.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking; this lets the layers set for cleaner slices. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast, start with a simple antipasto platter or a minestrone soup.
How-to Summary
To make Classic Beef and Spinach Lasagna: 1) Boil noodles until al dente. 2) Brown beef, then create a sauce with onion, garlic, marinara, tomato paste, and seasonings. 3) Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and spinach. 4) In a baking dish, layer sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, and mozzarella. Repeat. 5) Bake covered for 25 minutes at 375°F, then uncovered for 25 more minutes until bubbly and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Yes, but you must ensure there is enough liquid. Add a 1/4 cup of water to your sauce and ensure it covers the noodles completely. The bake time may increase slightly.
How can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Assemble the lasagna completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Can I substitute the ground beef? Absolutely. Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based ground meat alternative work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
How do I freeze lasagna? Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Why is my lasagna watery? This is often due to excess moisture from the ricotta or spinach. Squeeze chopped spinach dry in a clean towel and ensure your meat sauce is thick before assembling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: They become mushy during baking. Cook only until pliable but still firm.
- Skipping the sauce simmer: Simmering melds flavors and reduces excess liquid.
- Not draining the beef: Leaving excess fat will make the final dish greasy.
- Cutting immediately after baking: This causes the layers to slide apart. Let it rest.
- Using cold ricotta mixture: Bring ingredients to room temperature for easier, more even spreading.
Conclusion
This Classic Beef and Spinach Lasagna is a timeless, satisfying dish that balances rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and nutritious spinach. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this lasagna is guaranteed to become a cherished recipe in your rotation. Its comforting layers of flavor are always worth the effort.