Description
Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Garlic Bread Rolls
Ingredients:
For the Lasagna:
1 lb ground beef
1 onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)
12 lasagna noodles
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garlic Bread Rolls:
6-8 dinner rolls
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions:
Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Meat Sauce:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes to combine the flavors.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the mozzarella, Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Stir 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 3-4 lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by more meat sauce.
Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of noodles and the remaining meat sauce. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Prepare the Garlic Bread Rolls:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley in a small bowl. Brush the mixture over the dinner rolls.
Place the rolls in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and fragrant.
Serve:
Once the lasagna is done, let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the garlic bread rolls on the side.
Enjoy:
Enjoy this hearty and comforting meal with layers of cheesy goodness and rich, savory flavors!
This lasagna, paired with soft and fragrant garlic bread, is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Enjoy every bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof lasagna. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped. While the meat sauce simmers, cook the noodles to al dente. When assembling, use a 9×13 inch baking dish. The key is thin, even layers: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, repeat. Press layers down gently to eliminate air pockets. For the rolls, slice them almost through before brushing with garlic butter to create pull-apart portions. Time the rolls to go into the oven during the lasagna’s final 10-12 minutes of uncovered baking so both finish together.
Serving Suggestions
Let the baked lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices. Plate a square of lasagna alongside one or two warm garlic bread rolls. For a complete meal, pair with a simple green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A light, acidic red wine like Chianti or a sparkling water with lemon complements the hearty flavors perfectly.
How-to Summary
This meal involves two parallel processes: building the lasagna and preparing the rolls. Brown beef with onion and garlic, then simmer with marinara and herbs. Mix ricotta, egg, parsley, and half the cheeses. Layer sauce, noodles, and cheese mixture in a dish, finishing with sauce and mozzarella. Bake covered at 375°F for 30 mins, then uncovered for 10. For the rolls, brush a mix of melted butter, garlic powder, and parsley on dinner rolls and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Serve together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Yes, assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles? Absolutely. Use them directly from the box, but ensure your sauce has a bit more liquid and spread it evenly to help the noodles hydrate during baking.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 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, ground turkey, Italian sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative work well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
My cheese layer is runny. How can I fix this? Ensure your ricotta mixture is thick (drain any excess liquid from the ricotta first) and that you are thoroughly draining the cooked noodles. Letting the lasagna rest before serving is crucial.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the lasagna noodles before assembly, which leads to a mushy final dish. Cook only to al dente.
- Not draining excess fat from the browned ground beef, which can make the sauce greasy.
- Skipping the resting period after baking. Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart.
- Using cold ricotta straight from the fridge, which makes it harder to mix smoothly. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Burning the garlic butter. If using fresh garlic, cook it gently in the melted butter for 30 seconds before brushing to avoid a bitter taste.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Baked Lasagna with Garlic Bread Rolls is a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that balances rich, layered flavors with simple preparation. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can achieve a perfectly set, bubbly lasagna and aromatic, buttery rolls every time. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, promising comfort and satisfaction in every bite.