Description
Classic Beef and Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
500g ground beef
1 onion
(diced)
2 garlic cloves
(minced)
1 red bell pepper
(diced)
1 green bell pepper
(diced)
1 carrot
(diced)
2 cups marinara sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
1½ cups ricotta cheese
1 egg
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped parsley
For the Layers:
9 lasagna noodles
(cooked and drained)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Sauce:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside
.
In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, bell peppers, and carrot until softened
. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked beef and let simmer for 10 minutes
.
Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and parsley until well combined
.
Assemble the Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce
.
Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by ⅓ of the meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese
.
Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a generous layer of mozzarella on top.
Bake:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden
.
Serve:
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot
.
This lasagna is the perfect combination of savory meat sauce, creamy cheese, and tender noodles. A classic comfort food for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect assembly. First, ensure all vegetables are uniformly diced for even cooking. Brown the beef in your skillet, then transfer it to a bowl. In the same skillet, sauté the aromatics and vegetables to build flavor in the residual beef fat. When simmering the combined sauce, let it reduce slightly to avoid a watery lasagna. For the cheese layer, whisk the egg thoroughly before mixing with the ricotta and Parmesan to ensure a smooth, cohesive filling. When layering, use a spoon to gently spread the ricotta mixture to avoid dislodging the noodles. The final top layer of mozzarella should completely cover the sauce beneath to prevent drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the baked lasagna to rest for a full 10 minutes; this is crucial for clean slices. Serve with a simple side salad dressed with a balsamic vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a complete Italian meal, start with a light antipasto platter. Leftovers taste even better the next day and reheat beautifully in the oven.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Cook beef and set aside. 2) Sauté veggies, add back beef with sauces and seasonings, then simmer. 3) Mix ricotta, egg, Parmesan, and parsley. 4) In a dish, layer: sauce, noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, mozzarella. Repeat twice. 5) Bake covered for 25 mins at 180°C, then uncovered for 15 mins until golden. 6) Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna 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? Yes. Ensure your meat sauce has enough liquid (add ½ cup water or broth to the marinara). The noodles will absorb moisture from the sauce as they bake.
How can I make it vegetarian? Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground alternative or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and lentils for a hearty texture.
How do I freeze lasagna? Assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly in plastic 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 sauce with high water content or wet vegetables. Simmer your meat sauce longer to reduce it, and ensure your ricotta mixture is thick (drain if necessary).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the sauce reduction: A runny sauce leads to a soupy lasagna. Simmer until thickened.
- Overcooking noodles: Cook noodles just to al dente; they will soften further during baking.
- Not letting it rest: Cutting immediately causes the layers to slide apart. The 10-minute rest is non-negotiable.
- Using only one cheese type: The combination of ricotta (creaminess), Parmesan (saltiness), and mozzarella (melt) creates the perfect flavor and texture balance.
Conclusion
Mastering this classic beef and vegetable lasagna is a rewarding culinary achievement. By following the detailed steps, avoiding common pitfalls, and utilizing the make-ahead tips, you can create a show-stopping centerpiece for any family dinner or gathering. The harmonious layers of savory meat sauce, rich cheeses, and tender pasta epitomize comfort food. Don’t forget the final touch—letting it rest ensures every slice is as beautiful as it is delicious. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!