Classic Lasagna Recipe
User Reviews
5
Classic Lasagna Recipe
Description
Classic Lasagna Recipe features a base of sautéed onion and lean ground beef seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, simmered in marinara sauce. The ricotta cheese filling is enriched with grated Parmesan, dried basil, egg, salt, and pepper, providing a smooth contrast to the meat layers. Cooked lasagna noodles form the structure between the alternating layers of meat sauce, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese. Baking at 375 degrees F with a foil cover ensures the flavors meld and the dish cooks evenly while keeping moisture in, culminating in a hot, cheesy lasagna with both tender noodles and a savory filling.
This lasagna serves as a substantial main course suitable for dinner or family meals. The layers provide comforting textures, from the creamy ricotta blend to the melted mozzarella topping and the heartiness of the meat sauce. Additional marinara sauce can be added for those who prefer a saucier dish.
Note that the recipe adapted from America's Test Kitchen suggests sprinkling cheese and layering carefully for best assembly. Proper cooking of noodles and simmering of the meat sauce help achieve a well-cooked final dish.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (finely diced)
- 1 lb. ground beef lean
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 5 garlic cloves, finely minced)
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 28-ounce jar marinara sauce (may use more depending on how "saucy" you want it)
Parmesan Ricotta Cheese Filling:
- 2 cups ricotta cheese whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese (may use more if you want it extra cheesy)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Add ground beef and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until the meat begins to brown, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Lower heat to low and add marinara sauce. If you want the lasagna to be extra saucy, I suggest adding more sauce. Let the sauce continue to simmer.
Parmesan Ricotta Cheese Filling:
- In a small bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Spread the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking pan with 1/4 cup of the meat sauce. Place 3 noodles in a single layers on top of the sauce. Spread each noodle with parmesan ricotta cheese filling and sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and meat sauce. Repeat. Finish with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Spray a large piece of foil with non-stick cooking spray and cover the lasagna. Bake for 15 minutes and then remove the foil. Continue to bake until the cheese if bubbling, about 25 minutes longer. Cool the lasagna for 10 minutes before cutting into pieces.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor and less grease in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of marinara sauce based on how saucy you prefer your lasagna.
- Ensure lasagna noodles are cooked according to package instructions to avoid undercooked or mushy layers.
- Cover the lasagna with foil during baking to retain moisture and prevent the top from over-browning.
- This recipe yields a classic layered casserole suitable for feeding a family or group.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 758 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 758kcal | 38% |
| Carbohydrates | 109g | 36% |
| Protein | 48g | 96% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 91mg | 30% |
| Sodium | 8256mg | 344% |
| Potassium | 5017mg | 107% |
| Fiber | 25g | 100% |
| Sugar | 58g | 116% |
| Vitamin A | 7330IU | 147% |
| Vitamin C | 112mg | 124% |
| Calcium | 689mg | 69% |
| Iron | 17mg | 94% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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