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Comforting Traditional Lasagna Recipe With Easy Cheesy Layers

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A classic, comforting lasagna recipe featuring layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with a slow-simmered meat sauce. Perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (full-fat preferred)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 9 no-boil lasagna noodles (or gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt for pasta water if boiling noodles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon (7-10 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until sauce thickens.
  4. Mix the Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, half the Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until blended but not too runny.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  7. Lay 3 no-boil lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  8. Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by one-third of the shredded mozzarella.
  9. Spoon about one-third of the meat sauce over the cheese layer.
  10. Repeat layering two more times, finishing with a final sprinkle of mozzarella and remaining Parmesan on top.
  11. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, avoiding contact with cheese.
  12. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  13. Rest Before Serving: Let lasagna sit uncovered for at least 10 minutes to set before slicing.

Notes

If sauce is too watery, simmer longer to thicken. Add a tablespoon of milk if cheese mixture is too thick. Let lasagna rest before slicing for best texture. Use no-boil noodles for convenience or boil regular noodles al dente. Cover with foil during initial baking to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna, traditional lasagna, cheesy lasagna, comfort food, easy lasagna recipe, meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan

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