Description
This Best Hearty Beef Lasagna combines layers of rich, savory beef, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles, all smothered in a luscious homemade marinara sauce. It’s a comforting dish that will impress your family and friends at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20)
- Lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Italian herbs to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing
- Chopped onions
- Minced garlic
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for baking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté chopped onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
- Pour in your marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, egg, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in some fresh parsley or basil for added flavor.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the beef sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and more beef sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with noodles topped with marinara sauce and a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Letting the lasagna rest after baking is crucial for easier cutting and serving. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef sauce for a spicy kick or include layers of sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition.